July 9th is National Sugar Cookie Day, a delightful occasion to indulge in one of the simplest yet most versatile treats in the baking world. Sugar cookies are beloved for their buttery flavor, crisp edges, and soft centers. They’re also an excellent recipe to make with children. The simple steps of mixing, rolling, and decorating are easy for little hands to manage. Plus, the quick bake time means they can enjoy their creations without too much waiting. Baking together is a wonderful way to bond, teach kids about measurements and following directions, and, of course, share the joy of creating something delicious.
Let’s dive into a classic sugar cookie recipe and explore five creative ways to modify it for different outcomes.
Classic Sugar Cookie
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
-In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
-Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moist but not wet.
-Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
-Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
-Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Five Ways to Modify Your Sugar Cookies
One of the reasons we love sugar cookies so much is because they are easily customizable. With just a few additional ingredients, you can take your sugar cookie experience to a whole new level! Check out the ideas below and let us know if you have any suggestions of your own!
Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles:
- Decorate your sugar cookies with a variety of colored frostings and sprinkles. Kids love the opportunity to create their own edible masterpieces.
Lemon Zest and Glaze:
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor. Finish with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) for an extra zing.
Chocolate-Dipped:
- After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and let them set on parchment paper. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or crushed candies before the chocolate hardens.
Spice It Up:
- Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for autumn or winter.
Stuffed Cookies:
- Roll the dough around small pieces of chocolate, caramel, or even fruit jam before baking to create delightful surprise centers.
Food Safety and More Recipes
For additional sugar cookie recipes and to learn about baking food safety protocols, we encourage you to visit HomeBaking.org. Our partners and members provide a wealth of resources to ensure your baking experiences are both safe and enjoyable.
Celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day by baking a batch (or two) of these delicious treats. Happy baking!
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