Baking Vanilla Sugar Cookies always takes me back to my childhood, when my grandma would let me help her in the kitchen. I can still smell the warm, buttery scent wafting through the house as the cookies baked to golden perfection. Grandma’s Vanilla Sugar Cookies were the talk of the town – everyone would rave about how soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet they were.
I remember standing on a stool next to Grandma, carefully measuring out the ingredients and watching her work her magic. She’d let me roll the dough into little balls and gently press them down with a fork, creating those classic criss-cross patterns. Then, we’d watch excitedly as the cookies puffed up in the oven, transforming into irresistible Vanilla Sugar Cookies.
The best part was when they were fresh out of the oven – Grandma would let me sneak one (or two!) while they were still warm, the vanilla and sugar melting together on my tongue. To this day, the taste of those Vanilla Sugar Cookies instantly transports me back to those cherished moments in the kitchen with my grandma. That’s why this recipe will always be my go-to – it’s not just a recipe, it’s a piece of my heart.
Why This Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Vanilla Sugar Cookies are a classic for a reason – they’re simple, yet utterly delightful. But this recipe takes them to the next level. The secret? A few unexpected ingredients and techniques that give these Vanilla Sugar Cookies an unbelievably soft, chewy texture and the most fragrant, well-balanced vanilla flavor.
The Secret Behind Perfect Vanilla Sugar Cookies
What sets this Vanilla Sugar Cookies recipe apart is the addition of a touch of cornstarch and a hint of almond extract. The cornstarch helps the cookies maintain their soft, pillow-like texture, even days after baking. And the almond extract complements the vanilla beautifully, creating a flavor that’s out of this world.
Chilling the dough is also key – it allows the flavors to meld and results in cookies that hold their shape perfectly. Trust me, your friends and family won’t be able to resist these Vanilla Sugar Cookies. They’re destined to become a new holiday tradition (or, let’s be honest, an any-time-of-year tradition!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – The foundation of any great cookie. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar – For that classic, sweet Vanilla Sugar Cookie flavor.
- Egg – Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract – The star of the show! Use a high-quality vanilla for maximum flavor.
- Almond extract – A secret ingredient that takes the vanilla to new heights.
- All-purpose flour – The structure of the cookies.
- Cornstarch – Gives the Vanilla Sugar Cookies an unbelievably soft, chewy texture.
- Baking soda and salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Vanilla Sugar Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Vanilla Sugar Cookies
These Vanilla Sugar Cookies are a breeze to make, with a total time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
5- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6- Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the Vanilla Sugar Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the dough – this can result in tough, dry cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the perfect shape and texture.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving and Storing Your Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Vanilla Sugar Cookies are the ultimate versatile treat. Enjoy them on their own with a cup of hot coffee or tea, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie platter, or can be packaged up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Vanilla Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
You can also make the dough in advance and chill it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes for a quick and easy homemade treat whenever the craving strikes!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Creative Vanilla Sugar Cookies Variations
While the classic Vanilla Sugar Cookie is hard to beat, you can easily put your own spin on this recipe. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the dough. For a festive twist, roll the dough balls in coarse sugar or decorate the baked cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.
Making Vanilla Sugar Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Vanilla Sugar Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax or chia “egg.” And for a lower-carb option, replace the granulated sugar with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the almond extract with something else?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract.
Q: How long should I chill the dough?
A: The dough needs to chill for at least 30 minutes, but you can chill it for up to 3 days. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Vanilla Sugar Cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24 Vanilla Sugar Cookies, depending on the size you scoop the dough into. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, it’s likely because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) before baking.
Vanilla Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24
Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Vanilla Sugar Cookies that are a classic favorite. These soft, crumbly treats are perfect for any occasion, from cozy afternoons to holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. 5. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the dough. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Baking Vanilla Sugar Cookies has always been a special tradition in my family, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. With its unbeatable flavor, soft and chewy texture, and easy-to-follow instructions, I’m confident this will become your new go-to cookie recipe. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories in the kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how your Vanilla Sugar Cookies turn out!
