There’s something timeless about sugar cookies made with Gold Medal Flour. Known for its consistent quality and perfect texture, Gold Medal Flour helps us create sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and just sweet enough. These cookies bring back memories of holidays, celebrations, and simple moments shared with family and friends.
Using Gold Medal Flour in our sugar cookie recipes guarantees a reliable bake every time. Whether we’re rolling out dough for classic cutouts or mixing up a quick batch for an afternoon treat, the results are always deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into these easy-to-follow recipes that highlight the magic of Gold Medal Flour and turn everyday ingredients into irresistible sugar cookies.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies, we rely on a balanced combination of dry and wet ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that classic soft and chewy texture we love.
Dry Ingredients
We start with these essential Dry Ingredients that build the structure and flavor of our sugar cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour — the key to consistent texture and perfect rise
- 1 teaspoon baking soda — helps the cookies spread evenly without becoming flat
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder — adds a gentle lift, keeping the cookies soft
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
| Dry Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups | Provides structure and consistent texture |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Controls spreading and adds lightness |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds rise to keep cookies soft |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavor and balances sweetness |
Wet Ingredients
Next, we combine the Wet Ingredients that give our cookies richness, moisture, and that classic buttery taste:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — for creamy richness and tender crumb
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar — the primary sweetener for that perfect sugar-cookie bite
- 1 large egg — binds ingredients and adds moisture
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract — infuses the cookies with warm flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) — gives a subtle aromatic depth for an elevated taste
| Wet Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup | Provides fat for tenderness and richness |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups | Sweetens and contributes to texture |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds ingredients and adds moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds warm, aromatic flavor |
| Almond extract (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavor complexity |
Combining Gold Medal Flour with these carefully measured ingredients ensures our sugar cookies turn out flavorful, soft, and delightfully chewy every single time.
Equipment Needed
To create perfect Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent texture, flavor, and ease of baking. Below is a list of the core equipment we recommend for smooth preparation and excellent results.
Essential Baking Tools
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately. Opt for glass or stainless steel for durability.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer helps cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, a critical step for soft, chewy cookies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring of ingredients like Gold Medal Flour and baking soda guarantees texture accuracy.
- Spatula: Flexible silicone spatulas are perfect for scraping the sides of mixing bowls and folding ingredients gently.
- Rolling Pin: For classic sugar cookie cutouts, a rolling pin ensures even dough thickness for uniform baking.
- Cookie Cutters: Choose various shapes to create festive and fun sugar cookie designs.
- Baking Sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing cookies to cool completely and maintain their perfect texture.
Optional but Useful Tools
- Sifter: Sifts Gold Medal Flour and other dry ingredients to remove lumps and aerate the flour for lighter cookies.
- Pastry Brush: Handy for brushing off excess flour from rolled dough or applying egg wash if decorating.
Equipment Overview Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Recommended Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Glass or stainless steel |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugar | Hand or stand mixer |
| Measuring Cups | Measure dry and wet ingredients | Standardized sets |
| Spatula | Fold and scrape batter | Silicone flexible spatula |
| Rolling Pin | Roll dough evenly | Wooden or non-stick |
| Cookie Cutters | Shape cookies | Metal or plastic |
| Baking Sheets | Bake cookies | Non-stick or parchment-lined |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies evenly | Wire rack |
| Sifter (optional) | Aerate and remove lumps from flour | Fine mesh |
| Pastry Brush | Brush dough or apply coatings | Silicone or natural bristles |
By organizing our Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies with this equipment, we streamline the baking process and maintain consistent quality. Using these tools helps us achieve the soft, chewy texture and buttery flavor we expect from every batch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To ensure our Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly soft and chewy every time, planning ahead is key. Here are detailed make-ahead steps to streamline the baking process without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Prepare and Chill the Dough
- Mix the Dough as directed, combining Gold Medal all-purpose flour, wet ingredients, and leaveners until just incorporated.
- Shape the Dough into a disk or log depending on your preferred cutting method.
- Wrap Tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying or absorption of fridge odors.
- Chill for Minimum 1 Hour to Overnight: Chilling firms the dough, enhancing flavor and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
| Chilling Time | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 hours | Dough firms up for easier cutting |
| 8 to 24 hours | Deepens flavor, improves texture |
Freezing Dough for Extended Storage
- After shaping and wrapping, place dough in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months without loss of quality.
- To bake, thaw dough in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.
Pre-Cut Cookie Storage
- Cut dough shapes can also be placed on parchment-lined trays.
- Freeze shapes until solid, then transfer to airtight containers.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Baking from Chilled or Frozen Dough
- Preheat oven according to recipe.
- Place dough on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake as usual, monitoring for a slightly golden edge and soft center.
- Cool completely on racks before decorating or storing.
“Chilling and freezing not only improve texture but also deepen the buttery flavor that defines the best sugar cookies.”
By incorporating these Make-Ahead Instructions into our baking routine we lock in consistent texture and flavor with every batch of Gold Medal Flour Sugar Cookies. This prep freedom also makes it easier to enjoy freshly baked treats anytime, whether for holiday traditions or spontaneous celebrations.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create soft, chewy Gold Medal Flour Sugar Cookies that deliver perfect flavor and texture every time.
Prep: Measuring and Mixing Ingredients
Accurate measurement is key. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients, leveling off flour with a knife for precision.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour | 2 ¾ cups (345 g) | Sifted for even texture |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon | |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Room temperature, softened |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 ¼ cups | |
| Large Egg | 1 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | For classic buttery flavor |
| Optional Almond Extract | ½ teaspoon | Adds a subtle nutty aroma |
Begin by sifting Gold Medal Flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl to ensure uniform distribution. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar.
Making the Sugar Cookie Dough
Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy and pale—about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, making cookies tender.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds. Mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the dough tender.
Chilling the Dough
Transfer dough to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
“Chilling is crucial to prevent cookie spread and develop flavor.”
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness for a soft chewy texture.
Dip cookie cutters in flour to avoid sticking and cut out shapes. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Baking the Sugar Cookies
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes until edges are just set and bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for soft centers.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|
| 375°F (190°C) | 7-9 minutes | Edges set, bottoms golden |
Remove cookies from oven, let cool on baking sheet 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Cooling and Decorating
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to retain shape.
Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or leave plain.
“Decorating adds a festive touch while letting that buttery flavor shine through.”
Using a pastry brush, add a light glaze or dust with powdered sugar for extra presentation flair.
Tips for Perfect Gold Medal Flour Sugar Cookies
To achieve the ultimate soft and chewy texture in our Gold Medal Flour sugar cookies, follow these expert tips carefully:
1. Use Accurate Measurements
Precise ingredient measurement is crucial. Use a digital scale or proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of flour, sugar, and butter. Too much flour can make cookies dry, too little causes excessive spreading.
| Ingredient | Recommended Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Medal Flour | 2 ¾ cups (345g) | Spoon and level for accuracy |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Use fine granulated sugar for smooth texture |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (227g) | Room temperature for easier creaming |
2. Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly
We cream butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough, leading to tender cookies with a delicate crumb. Beat for at least 3–4 minutes on medium speed using an electric mixer.
“Creaming is the foundation for tender and soft sugar cookies.”
3. Chill the Dough Adequately
Chill dough for a minimum of 1 hour, ideally 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flour to hydrate fully and the butter to firm up, preventing cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
“Patience in chilling unlocks the perfect chewy texture.”
4. Handle Dough Gently When Rolling
Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper or on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Avoid over-handling as warmth from hands can soften butter and cause spreading.
- Roll dough to an even thickness of ¼ inch for consistent baking
- Use cookie cutters dipped in flour for clean edges
5. Bake at the Right Temperature
Bake sugar cookies at 350°F (177°C) on the middle rack. This temperature promotes even cooking—crispy edges with a soft center.
| Baking Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (177°C) |
| Baking Time | 8–10 minutes |
| Cookie Thickness | Approximately ¼ inch thick |
6. Cool Properly Before Decorating
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This prevents icing from melting and ensures decorations stay vivid and intact.
“Cooling cookies fully preserves their texture and allows your decorations to truly shine.”
7. Customize with Extracts for Extra Flavor
For a classic buttery flavor boost, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and optionally ½ teaspoon almond extract to the wet ingredients. These flavorings complement the richness of Gold Medal Flour beautifully.
By following these precise tips, we guarantee our Gold Medal Flour sugar cookies will turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time.
Variations to Try
We can easily customize our Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some delicious variations to enhance our classic sugar cookies while maintaining their soft, chewy texture and buttery flavor.
1. Classic Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon almond extract alongside the vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for a subtle nutty aroma. This variation creates a rich, fragrant cookie perfect for gifting or holiday celebrations.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies
After baking and cooling the cookies, dip half of each cookie in melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Place on parchment paper and let the chocolate set. This adds a luxurious contrast to the buttery sweetness.
3. Citrus Zest Infusion
Incorporate 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon or orange zest into the dough before baking. The zest provides a bright, refreshing note that elevates the classic recipe with natural citrus oils.
4. Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Fold ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles into the dough before chilling. The colorful sprinkles add a playful touch and a slight crunch while retaining that soft chewiness.
5. Spiced Sugar Cookies
Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This variation introduces warm, cozy spices ideal for autumn or winter treats.
6. Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
After baking, cool the cookies completely and spread them with a simple buttercream frosting made from:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)
This frosting adds a creamy, sweet layer that complements the soft cookie base beautifully.
| Variation | Key Additions | Effect on Flavor/Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Almond | 1 tsp almond extract | Nutty fragrance |
| Chocolate-Dipped | Melted semi-sweet chocolate | Rich chocolate coating |
| Citrus Zest | 1 tbsp lemon/orange zest | Bright citrus freshness |
| Funfetti | ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles | Colorful crunch |
| Spiced | ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg | Warm, aromatic spices |
| Soft Frosted | Buttercream frosting | Creamy, sweet topping |
Tips for Variations
- When adding ingredients like zest or spices, fold them gently into the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- For mix-ins such as sprinkles or chocolate chips, add just before chilling the dough so they don’t melt or bleed.
- Adjust baking times slightly if cookies thicken considerably due to added ingredients, checking for a soft center and lightly golden edges.
By experimenting with these variations to our Gold Medal Flour sugar cookies, we keep the foundational qualities intact while introducing exciting flavors and textures. Each variation lets us create an array of delightful sugar cookies for every palate and occasion.
Conclusion
Gold Medal Flour truly makes a difference in baking sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, we can consistently create cookies that bring joy to any occasion. Whether sticking to the classic recipe or trying out new variations, these cookies offer endless possibilities for delicious treats.
By following the tips and steps we’ve shared, baking becomes a confident and enjoyable experience. Let’s keep exploring and perfecting our sugar cookie creations, making every batch a sweet success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gold Medal Flour recommended for sugar cookies?
Gold Medal Flour provides consistent quality and perfect texture, resulting in soft, chewy sugar cookies every time. Its all-purpose nature works well for classic cutouts and quick treats alike.
What are the essential dry and wet ingredients for sugar cookies?
Dry ingredients include Gold Medal all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Wet ingredients are unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract for richness and moisture.
What tools do I need to bake perfect sugar cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, and a cooling rack. Optional items are a sifter and pastry brush.
How long should I chill the sugar cookie dough?
Dough should be chilled for at least one hour to enhance flavor and prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough for later use?
Yes, sugar cookie dough can be frozen. Simply wrap tightly and freeze, then bake directly from frozen or let thaw slightly before baking.
What are the key steps for making sugar cookies?
Measure ingredients accurately, sift dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, combine wet and dry, chill dough, roll, cut, bake, cool, and decorate as desired.
How do I achieve soft and chewy sugar cookies?
Ensure accurate measurements, thoroughly cream butter and sugar, chill dough adequately, handle gently when rolling, bake at the right temperature, and cool properly before decorating.
What are some fun variations of the classic sugar cookie?
Try Classic Vanilla Almond, Chocolate-Dipped, Citrus Zest Infusion, Funfetti, Spiced, or Soft Frosted sugar cookies for different flavors and textures.
Can I decorate sugar cookies without losing their soft texture?
Yes, decorate after cookies have fully cooled. Use light frosting or simple designs to maintain softness and preserve buttery taste.
Are Gold Medal sugar cookies suitable for holidays and celebrations?
Absolutely. Their nostalgic flavor and versatility make them perfect for holidays, celebrations, and everyday treats.