Matthew'S Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of almond and vanilla, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats, appealing to all ages with a crisp exterior and tender interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly the softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Blend in the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until well combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to desired thickness.
- Cut into shapes or roll into 1-inch balls and press with your thumb to create a well.
- Place the cookies on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the cookies with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the edges are light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted to create a light and fluffy texture. You can substitute half of the powdered sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you don't have almond extract, you can omit it or use an extra teaspoon of vanilla. For a festive touch, consider adding colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a glass of milk or paired with a scoop of ice cream for a treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays alongside Butterhorn Yeast Rolls and other festive favorites. Serve them at gatherings or enjoy them as a sweet snack any time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Matthew'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 156 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. For the best results, choose a high-quality margarine that has a similar fat content to butter.
What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free sugar cookies, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture and structure.
How can I decorate these cookies?
You can decorate these cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar before baking. For a more intricate design, consider using fondant or edible markers after they cool. These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity!
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).