Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies 🍪💖

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about baking cookies, especially when it comes to sugar cookies. These Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies have become a family favorite in my home, bringing smiles and warm memories with every batch. The moment I pull them out of the oven, the sweet aroma fills the air, and I can hardly wait to taste one. With their soft, thick texture and delightful hint of almond, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a cozy afternoon treat. My family loves how they hold their shape beautifully, making them a joy to decorate and share.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Optional Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential to ensure the even distribution of the leavening agent and salt in your dough. Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness of this mixture is key to achieving that soft, bakery-style cookie texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. This will help prevent flour from flying all over your kitchen! Continue mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, dust it with a little more flour. Once rolled, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cut the Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. If you have scraps, re-roll them and chill the cut-out dough for about 10 minutes before baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want them to remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you choose to make the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. If desired, add gel food coloring to decorate the cooled cookies.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 36 cookies
• Calories: 94 per cookie

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Freshly Baked: Serve warm from the oven for the ultimate treat.
• Decorated: Let the kids join in the fun by decorating with icing and sprinkles.
• Gift-Worthy: Package them in decorative boxes for gifts.
• With Milk: Pair with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy experience.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape.
3. Cookie Cutters: Use festive cookie cutters for holidays or special occasions.
4. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
5. Taste Testing: Always test a small batch first to adjust flavors to your liking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate twist.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Substitute lemon extract for almond and add lemon zest for a refreshing flavor.
• Spice Sugar Cookies: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies as part of a dessert table at parties.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Use as a base for ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can freeze the rolled-out dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer and transfer to a zip-top bag.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unsalted butter?
   Yes, but if you do, add a pinch of salt to the dough.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   This could be due to warm dough or not enough chilling time. Make sure to chill the dough adequately.
4. Can I use a stand mixer instead of an electric mixer?
   Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for creaming the butter and sugar.
5. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   You can omit it or substitute with additional vanilla extract.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, but the texture will be denser; consider mixing with all-purpose flour.
7. How do I prevent cookies from burning?
   Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
8. Can I decorate the cookies before baking?
   It’s best to decorate them after they have cooled to maintain the shape and prevent melting.
9. What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
   Store in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the decorations.
10. Can I use this recipe for cookie gift baskets?
    Absolutely! These cookies make a perfect addition to gift baskets.

Conclusion

These Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience! With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful almond flavor, they are bound to become a favorite in your home too. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with icing and sprinkles, they are perfect for any occasion and will surely bring joy to those who indulge in them. Gather your loved ones, put on your aprons, and start creating delicious memories with this delightful recipe!

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