Name: Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Cookie Base; 2/3 cup butter or vegetable shortening (or 1/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup shortening (123g)); 1 cup granulated sugar ((200g)); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup milk ((83g)); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract ((optional, but makes a great flavor)); 3 cups all-purpose flour ((375g)); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; . Frosting; 8 ounces cream cheese ((softened)); 1/2 cup butter ((softened, (113g))); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3-4 cups powdered sugar ((360-480g))

Welcome to your new favorite treat: Sugar Cookies! These delightful cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. Let’s dive into the fun of baking!

Mixing it Up

Trust me, creaming the butter and sugar is so satisfying. You’ll love the texture!

Frosting Fun

Don’t forget to whip up that creamy frosting — it’s the cherry on top of these cookies!

Ingredients

Instructions

Mix the Dough:
Step 1

- Mix shortening/butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter or shortening and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Step 2

- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a large dough ball forms. Add more flour if needed, but avoid adding too much.
Step 3

- Chill Dough: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or up to 3 days if you want to prepare ahead!
Step 4

- Roll Out: Dust your countertop with flour and roll out the dough to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a round drinking cup to cut out shapes.
Step 5

- Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 7-10 minutes. They should be very light in color and just set. Don't overbake, as they will harden while cooling!
Step 6

- Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese, beating until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust the thickness with more powdered sugar as needed, beating until creamy and soft. Stir in food coloring if desired.
Step 7

- Frost the Cookies: Frost cooled sugar cookies and top with sprinkles if desired!

Nutrition

Calories: 150, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 22g, Protein: 1g

Cooking techniques

This recipe involves basic baking techniques such as creaming, blending, rolling, and cutting dough.

Variations or substitutions

Feel free to use different extracts like lemon or coconut for a unique flavor twist. You can also try using different types of flour for a gluten-free version!

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!

Notes

For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before baking!