Classic Easy Sugar Cookies with Nine Flavor Twists
This recipe provides a classic sugar cookie base that is easy to make and perfect for various occasions. It also includes nine delicious flavor twists to customize your cookies and glazes.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Powdered sugar for glazes
- 4-6 tablespoons Milk (or cream) for glazes
For the 9 Flavor Combos
- Lemon-Lavender Zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
- Orange Cardamom Zest of 1 orange, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom.
- Chai Spice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, pinch of cloves, pinch of nutmeg.
- Almond Amaretto 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur (optional).
- Coconut Lime 1/2 cup shredded coconut, zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
- Maple Pecan 1 teaspoon maple extract, 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans.
- Brown Butter Bourbon 4 tablespoons browned butter (for glaze), 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional).
- Rosemary Sea Salt 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt.
- Chocolate Espresso 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dough or glaze), 1 teaspoon espresso powder.
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined and avoiding overmixing.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and lightly flour a work surface.
- Roll out one disk of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness on the floured surface, then cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving space, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, prepare glazes by whisking 2 cups powdered sugar with 4-6 tablespoons milk/cream, then mix in desired flavorings and apply to cookies.
Notes
For best results, ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. Get creative with your decorations and flavor combinations!