Classic Sugar Cookies
Delightful sugar cookies with a crisp edge and tender center, featuring lemon and vanilla flavors. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday treats for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar, softened butter, and salt.
- Beat in egg, grated lemon rind, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually stir into the creamed mixture.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough until 1/8 inch thick using a floured rolling pin.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle each cookie with additional sugar.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on racks.
- Store in airtight containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. If you find the dough too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling. You can substitute 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a softer texture. For decoration, use colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing for special occasions. For a delightful pairing, serve them with a side of Betty'S Yummy Bean Dip for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness, place a piece of bread in the container as it helps to keep the cookies soft. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Sugar Cookies contains roughly 801 calories, with 20g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1333mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine is a suitable substitute for butter in this recipe. Just ensure it's softened to achieve the same creamy texture. The flavor may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with additional flour to prevent sticking.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Absolutely! Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can frost them with your favorite buttercream or royal icing for added sweetness and decoration. This is especially fun for holidays or celebrations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).