Michelle’s Sugar Cookie Recipe Easy and Delicious Treats

Welcome to Michelle’s Sugar Cookie Recipe, a timeless classic that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive holiday, a cozy afternoon treat, or a special gathering, these sugar cookies have the perfect balance of buttery richness and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Michelle has perfected this recipe over years of trial and error, ensuring every bite is pure delight.

This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but yields professional-quality cookies that will impress even the most discerning palates. From the simple ingredients to the easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Let’s dive into why this sugar cookie recipe stands out and how you can make your very own batch at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Michelle’s Sugar Cookie Recipe is beloved for its perfectly tender crumb and delicate sweetness. Unlike many sugar cookies that can be dry or overly crispy, these cookies maintain a soft center with slightly crisp edges, giving a delightful texture contrast.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cutting into fun shapes for holidays or celebrations.

Plus, they’re a great base for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.

Lastly, the recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an accessible treat for any baker.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least two)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling racks
• Cookie cutters (if shaping cookies)
• Rolling pin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until combined.
5. Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness for cut-out cookies. If you prefer drop cookies, skip this step and scoop dough directly onto baking sheets.
8. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or simply use a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for decoration, if desired.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for soft cookies.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them cool on the baking sheet. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.”

Here are some ways to customize Michelle’s Sugar Cookies:

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Replace almond extract with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Decorating: Use royal icing or buttercream to decorate cookies for special occasions.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let set for an indulgent twist.
• Spiced Variation: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Michelle’s Sugar Cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon pick-me-up.

For holiday gatherings, consider presenting them on a festive platter with a variety of decorated designs. Kids especially love helping to decorate these cookies with colorful sprinkles and icing!

They also make charming gifts when packaged in a pretty box or tin, perfect for neighbors, friends, or coworkers.

Conclusion

Michelle’s Sugar Cookie Recipe is a beloved staple in any baking repertoire due to its simplicity, delicious flavor, and delightful texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these cookies bring a smile to everyone’s face.

The recipe’s straightforward nature makes it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and the endless customization options allow you to make it your own.

By using everyday ingredients and following the easy instructions, you can create beautiful, soft, and flavorful cookies that stand out. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy some of the best sugar cookies you’ve ever made!

Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes for more baking inspiration like Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Bars, and Vanilla Cupcakes. Happy baking!

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