Hey DivaGals, guess what today is? It’s National Sugar Cookie Day, and if there’s one thing we love just as much as a fabulous pair of shoes, it’s a delicious, perfectly sweet treat! Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, there’s something so wonderfully classic about a sugar cookie. They’re the blank canvas of the cookie world, ready to be decorated, sprinkled or simply enjoyed in their pure, sugary glory.
To celebrate, we’ve got three fantastic recipes that will have your kitchen smelling divine and your taste buds singing. From a classic that’s perfect for decorating to a healthier, easy option, we’ve got you covered!
1. The Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookie
This recipe is your go-to for beautiful, sturdy cookies that hold their shape perfectly for frosting and decorating. Get out those cookie cutters!
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This step is crucial for easy rolling!
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate once cooled!
2. Chewy & Soft Drop Sugar Cookies
Sometimes you just want a soft, pillowy sugar cookie without the fuss of rolling and cutting. These are incredibly easy and disappear fast!
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll in extra granulated sugar.
Place on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Easy Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
Looking for a healthier twist that’s still delicious? These almond flour cookies are surprisingly good and super easy to whip up! They have a slightly different texture, more like a shortbread, but are still wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (granulated)
¼ cup melted coconut oil (or melted unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, erythritol/monk fruit sweetener, and salt.
Add the melted coconut oil (or butter) and vanilla extract. Mix well until a dough forms. It will be soft and slightly crumbly.
Using your hands, form small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and flatten them slightly into discs on the baking sheet. You can use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern if desired, like a peanut butter cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as almond flour can brown quickly.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, as they will be very delicate when warm. They will firm up as they cool.
Whether you celebrate with sprinkles and frosting or a guilt-free bite, make sure to enjoy National Sugar Cookie Day! What’s your favorite way to enjoy a sugar cookie? Share your sweet comments on our Instagram page!
photo credit: Pexels.
