Magical Sugar Cookies recipe

 

 Ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

 

 Optional for Decorating:

 

- Royal icing

- Sprinkles

- Food coloring

 

 Instructions:

 

1. Preheat the Oven:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

 

2. Cream Butter and Sugar:

   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

 

3. Add Egg and Vanilla:

   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

 

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

 

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

 

6. Chill the Dough (Optional):

   For best results, you can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture during baking.

 

7. Roll and Cut:

   Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness (usually around 1/4 inch). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

 

8. Bake:

   Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary based on the size and thickness of your cookies.

 

9. Cool:

   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

 

10. Decorate (Optional):

    Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or food coloring. Let your creativity shine!

 

11. Enjoy:

    Once the decorations are set, your magical sugar cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage.

 

Feel free to get creative with the shapes and decorations. These cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. Happy baking!