Grandmas Classic Cutout Sugar Cookies
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get a craving for something sweet and nostalgic? These sugar cookies are your answer. They're like a warm hug from your grandma, honestly. Perfect vanilla flavor.
Brief Overview
This classic sugar cookie recipe has a long history. They're a staple for holidays around the world. These are medium difficulty and need about 2 hours 45 minutes.
This recipe will give you about 24-36 cookies!
Main Benefits
These vanilla sugar cookies aren't just tasty. They are great for making memories. They're perfect for Christmas or any holiday really. What makes these Homemade Sugar Cookies special is their flavor.
Let's talk Sugar Cookies
Okay, so, like, where do I even begin ? These aren't just any cookies, these are Grandma's Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies . They are the kind that just scream "holiday cheer".
Think about those cozy winter nights. You were helping your gran decorate what? You got it: Christmas Sugar Cookies . This recipe is like a time machine. It takes you right back.
These cutout sugar cookies boast a buttery flavour. They're a subtle vanilla that's just perfect for decorating. You know? Time for unleashing your inner artist, mates!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Honestly, this recipe is pretty straightforward. But, you know, getting that perfect, non-spreading cookie? That's the trick. Chilling the dough is key .
So, be patient. Trust me on this one. The recipe will give you Best Sugar Cookies you've ever tasted.
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe is the goal, right? This recipe hits that spot.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Bake On!
Alright, mate! Ready to whip up some classic sugar cookie magic? Before we get our aprons floury, let’s gather our bits and bobs.
This isn’t rocket science, but having the right stuff makes all the difference, yeah?
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
For the best Homemade Sugar Cookies , you'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g ) unsalted butter, softened. Now, this is important: the butter should be soft but still cool. Not melted. Trust me, I’ve been there. Melty butter = flat cookies.
- ¾ cup ( 150g ) granulated sugar.
- 1 large egg. Free range if you're feeling fancy!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Go for good quality if you can. It makes a difference!
- 2 ½ cups ( 313g ) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. Honestly, I always end up using a bit more for dusting. Don't be shy!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
For the Royal Icing, if you're feeling particularly artistic:
- 4 cups ( 480g ) powdered sugar, sifted. Don't skip the sifting, or you'll end up with lumpy icing.
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder.
- 6-8 tablespoons warm water.
- Food coloring gels (optional). For extra festive vibes!
That's it for the dough part of Vanilla Sugar Cookies , easy peasy!
Seasoning Notes: Adding a Dash of Pizzazz
Vanilla is the star here. But don’t be afraid to experiment! A tiny pinch of almond extract is lovely too.
Or, for Christmas Sugar Cookies , try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg! If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of lemon zest can brighten everything up.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Business
- Stand mixer or hand mixer. A good old-fashioned wooden spoon works too, but your arm might get tired.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Plastic wrap.
- Rolling pin. A wine bottle works in a pinch, haha!
- Cookie cutters. Get creative! I love my star shaped ones.
- Baking sheets.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Saves on the washing up!
- Wire cooling rack.
- Piping bags or squeeze bottles (for icing, if using). Ziploc bags with the corner snipped off work too!
See? Nothing too scary. These Cutout Sugar Cookies are about fun, not fuss. Now, let's talk about the actual baking...
Remember, these cookies aren't just food, they are Holiday Cookie Recipes to create unforgettable memories and a great way to enjoy a moment.
Grandma's Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: Perfect for Any Holiday!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good sugar cookie ? These aren't just any cookies. They're the kind that take you right back to Grandma's kitchen.
Think warm, cozy, and totally scrummy. Ready to bake some nostalgia?
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key!
First things first: Get your mise en place sorted. This means having all your ingredients measured and ready to go.
Trust me, it's a game changer. We're talking 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened, but still cool, butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, one egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
For icing? 4 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp meringue powder, and 6-8 tbsp of warm water. You know?
Got all that? Brilliant! Now, about safety: make sure those little ones are supervised, yeah? Especially around the oven. Right, let's get cracking!
step-by-step to Sugar Cookie Perfection
- Cream together your slightly cool, but soft, butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. It should look like whipped cream, yeah?
- Whack in the egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until it's all combined nicely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
- Gradually add those dry ingredients to the wet. Mix on low until just combined. Don't overmix. Otherwise your Best Sugar Cookies will be tough.
- Form the dough into a disc. Wrap it in cling film and chill for at least 2 hours . Honestly, overnight is better.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line those baking sheets.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
- Use those Cutout Sugar Cookies cutters to make shapes. Bake for 8- 12 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tips for Sugar Cookie Mastery
Here's the lowdown, guv'nor. Firstly, don't overbake! You want lightly golden edges. Not burnt offerings. Secondly, chilling is non-negotiable. It stops those cookies from spreading.
This is how you get the Best Sugar Cookies ! For make-ahead? The dough freezes beautifully. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
I remember one time, I didn't chill the dough properly. Oh my gosh! The cookies spread everywhere! They looked like amoebas.
Not exactly the Christmas Sugar Cookies I was going for. But hey, we live and learn, right? Plus, it's still edible!
Speaking of Christmas Sugar Cookies , try adding a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a festive twist. Or, a lemon zest for Vanilla Sugar Cookies .
The possibilities are endless! So go on, get creative! It's all about having fun!
Recipe Notes: Secrets to Sugar Cookie Success!
Right, so you're ready to bake some Best Sugar Cookies ! Fantastic! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll help you nail this recipe.
Honestly, these are the bits I wish I knew before my first sugar cookie disaster.
Plating Pretty: Serving Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? For a simple touch, dust your Cutout Sugar Cookies with powdered sugar. Stack them artfully on a plate.
Feeling fancy? Try serving them with a small dish of raspberry sauce for dipping. And, of course, Christmas Sugar Cookies practically demand a mug of steaming hot chocolate!
Storage Savvy: Keeping 'Em Fresh
Leftover cookies? Blimey, that's impressive! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to freeze 'em? You absolutely can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they'll last for a month.
To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a low oven ( 275° F/ 135° C) for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Twists and Turns: Variation Station
Fancy a change? Easy peasy! For gluten-free Vanilla Sugar Cookies , use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Done! Want to make Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe more seasonal? Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract in spring or add pumpkin spice for fall.
Sorted!
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's be real, Homemade Sugar Cookies aren't exactly health food. But, a little treat never hurt anyone. Each cookie has about 120 calories, plus some carbs and fats.
The real benefit? A massive dose of happiness! Let's face it, baking is good for the soul.
So, there you have it! All my tips and tricks for the perfect sugar cookie. Go on, give it a bash! And don't forget to share your creations - I can't wait to see them! Honestly, baking these Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe it's fun and that is the most important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my sugar cookies spreading when I bake them? I want perfect cut-outs!
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens because the butter was too soft or the dough wasn't chilled enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch (think spreadable, not melty), and chill that dough for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
That rest in the fridge is crucial; it lets the gluten relax and firms up the fat, preventing those sad, flat sugar cookies.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing sugar cookie dough is a brilliant way to get ahead, especially during the busy Christmas baking season. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and cutting your sugar cookie shapes.
What's the best way to store baked sugar cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll typically last for about a week. If you've iced them, make sure the icing is completely dry before stacking them to prevent smudging.
Pro Tip: A slice of bread in the container will help keep them soft it's like a little spa day for your biscuits!
My royal icing is too runny! How do I fix it so I can decorate my sugar cookies properly?
Runny royal icing is a common problem, but easily fixed! Gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You're looking for something that's thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth enough to spread.
It's a bit like Goldilocks not too thick, not too thin, just right for your sugar cookie masterpiece!
Can I make these sugar cookies gluten-free? What kind of flour should I use?
Yes, you can definitely make gluten-free sugar cookies! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help bind the ingredients together and mimic the texture of traditional sugar cookies. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake a bit faster.
What are some fun variations I can try with this basic sugar cookie recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Get creative! Try adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy zing, or substitute some of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor. For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice.
You could even dip the baked sugar cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkles for an extra decadent treat think of it as your own Great British Baking Show technical challenge!
Grandmas Classic Cutout Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |