Sugar Cookies If It Has to Come to That
Brighten even the dreariest of days with "Sugar Cookies If It Has to Come to That," a comfortingly simple, melt-in-your-mouth treat that's as versatile as it is delicious. This classic sugar cookie recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, softened butter, and a hint of vanilla extract—to create buttery, tender cookies with a delicate sweetness. Whether you're baking for a holiday spread, a last-minute dessert, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes, from mixing bowl to cooling rack. Customize them with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for added sparkle and crunch, or keep them plain and soft for that traditional, nostalgic taste. Perfect for everyday snacking or special occasions, these sugar cookies will quickly earn their spot in your go-to recipe collection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for consistency)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand, until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk and mix until the texture is smooth and cohesive.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Optional: Lightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon and sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a decorative touch and added crunch.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake, as sugar cookies should remain soft.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy them as-is or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3002 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.7 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.0 g | 620% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 736 mg | 245% | |
| Sodium | 1777 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 257.5 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.7 g | ||
| Protein | 39.6 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.3 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 117 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 451 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
