Paula Deen’s Sugar Cookie Recipe is a classic Southern favorite that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Known for her rich and comforting dishes Paula’s take on sugar cookies is no exception. These cookies are soft buttery and perfectly sweet making them a go-to treat for holidays family gatherings or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
To bake Paula Deen’s Sugar Cookies that capture the perfect soft texture and buttery flavor, we need to gather all the ingredients precisely. Below, we break them into categories for easy preparation and clear measurement.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients form the base of our cookies and ensure the right structure and sweetness balance. Here’s what we use:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
- 1 teaspoon baking powder for gentle rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar for classic sweetness
| Dry Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Structure and texture |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness |
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients provide moisture and richness, delivering that soft, buttery bite Paula Deen’s recipe is famous for.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg for binding and richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for signature flavor
| Wet Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Moisture and rich flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Binding and texture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances aroma and sweetness |
Optional Decorations
For extra flair and sweetness, feel free to add these:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles to dress up the cookies
- Icing or glaze for a shiny, sweet finish
- Raw sugar crystals for a sparkling texture
These decorations help us personalize the cookies making them perfect for holidays, gifts, or everyday treats.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Paula Deen Sugar Cookie, we need to gather essential tools that ensure precise mixing, shaping, and baking. Here is a detailed list of the must-have equipment for this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two—one large bowl for dry ingredients and one medium bowl for wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps us cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, which is crucial for that soft, buttery texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of flour, sugar, and other ingredients ensures consistent results.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowls and folding ingredients together gently.
- Baking Sheets: Flat, rimmed cookie sheets allow even baking and prevent spreading.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: These liners prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Rolling Pin: For even rolling if we choose to cut the sugar cookie dough into shapes.
- Cookie Cutters (optional): Great for festive shapes or personalized designs.
- Wire Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients before combining.
- Food Scale (optional): For measuring ingredients by weight to achieve utmost accuracy.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredients |
| Electric Mixer | Creaming butter and sugar for ideal texture |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Precise ingredient measurement |
| Rubber/Silicone Spatula | Gentle folding and scraping bowl edges |
| Baking Sheets | For baking cookies evenly |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Non-stick surface for baking |
| Cooling Rack | Even cooling without sogginess |
| Rolling Pin | Rolling dough to uniform thickness |
| Cookie Cutters | Shaping cookies (optional) |
| Wire Whisk | Mixing dry ingredients |
| Food Scale | Accurate ingredient measurement (optional) |
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Paula Deen Sugar Cookies that are soft, buttery, and delightfully sweet.
Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by baking time.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Gather all your ingredients measured precisely:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened to room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Egg | 1 large | At room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Sifted |
- Prepare your mixing bowls, electric mixer, rubber spatula, rolling pin, cookie cutters, and cooling rack within reach.
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold them in gently, mixing until the dough forms and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Chilling the Dough
- Once the dough is formed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial to:
“Firm the dough for easier rolling and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.”
Rolling and Cutting Cookies
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll it out evenly to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use your favorite sugar cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Dip cookie cutters lightly in flour for clean edges.
- Place the cut cookies 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
Baking the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Keep a close eye as baking times may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
Cooling and Decorating
- Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them carefully to a cooling rack.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
- Decorate using colored sugar, icing, or raw sugar crystals as desired to personalize your Paula Deen Sugar Cookies for any occasion.
Use a piping bag for precise icing or sprinkle sugar crystals immediately after baking for a sparkling finish.
Tips for Perfect Paula Deen Sugar Cookies
To achieve soft and buttery Paula Deen Sugar Cookies every time, we follow these essential tips that enhance texture, flavor, and appearance.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Start with unsalted butter and egg at room temperature. This allows for smoother creaming with sugar, producing a light, fluffy dough that results in tender cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly
Beat the butter and sugar together for at least 3-4 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air, ensuring a light texture and proper rise.
3. Measure Ingredients Precisely
Accurate ingredient measurement guarantees cookie consistency. Use a food scale for flour and baking powder where possible. Avoid scooping flour directly with a measuring cup to prevent dense cookies.
| Ingredient | Preferred Measurement Method |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Food scale (grams) or spoon & level |
| Baking Powder | Measuring spoon straight level |
| Butter | Stick markings or kitchen scale |
| Sugar | Dry measuring cup or scale |
4. Chill the Dough Properly
Wrap the dough tightly and chill for at least one hour. This firms it up to prevent spreading during baking and helps cookies keep their shape when cut.
5. Roll Dough Evenly
We recommend rolling dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Use rolling pin guides or spacers to maintain uniform thickness and even baking.
6. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Prevent sticking and ensure even baking by lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This also stabilizes cookies and facilitates easier cleanup.
7. Bake at the Right Temperature
Maintain oven temperature at 375°F (190°C). Hot ovens create a golden edge while keeping the centers soft.
8. Cool Completely Before Decorating
Cooling cookies fully on a wire rack prevents melting or sliding of icing and sugar crystals, preserving crisp decorations.
9. Customize Decorations Thoughtfully
For visual appeal and added texture, decorate with colored sugar, raw sugar crystals, or your favorite icing. Add decorations right after baking if you want them to stick firmly.
“Patience in prep yields the perfect Paula Deen Sugar Cookies—that soft buttery bite is worth every minute.“
By following these tips we ensure our Paula Deen Sugar Cookies come out perfect with every batch—soft, flavorful, and beautifully decorated.
Storage and Shelf Life
To maintain the freshness and delicious taste of Paula Deen’s Sugar Cookies, proper storage is essential. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents moisture buildup which can make them soggy.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Place fully cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Room temperature storage keeps the cookies fresh for 3 to 5 days without compromising texture or flavor.
Refrigeration
If we want to extend the shelf life:
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Place a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture balance.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigeration can slightly alter the cookie’s softness, so bring cookies to room temperature before serving to restore their tender texture.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
To keep Paula Deen Sugar Cookies beyond a few days, freezing is the best option.
- Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cookies in a labeled freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight Container | 3 to 5 days | Use parchment sheets to separate layers |
| Refrigerator | Airtight Container | Up to 2 weeks | Add a slice of bread to maintain moisture |
| Freezer | Freezer-safe Bag or Container | Up to 3 months | Wrap individually for best results |
“Proper storage ensures that every bite of Paula Deen’s Sugar Cookies remains soft, buttery, and flavorful long after baking.“
By following these storage guidelines, we can enjoy our cookies fresh and delicious every time.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Sugar Cookie Recipe is a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, we can easily create soft, buttery cookies that everyone will love. Taking the time to chill the dough and decorate adds a personal touch that makes these cookies truly special.
By storing them properly, we ensure they stay fresh and delicious for days or even weeks. Whether for holidays, family gatherings, or just a sweet snack, these sugar cookies never disappoint and are sure to become a favorite in our baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Paula Deen’s sugar cookies special?
Paula Deen’s sugar cookies are known for their soft, buttery texture and perfect sweetness, making them a classic Southern treat ideal for holidays and gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for these sugar cookies?
You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, an egg, and vanilla extract. Optional decorations include colored sugar or icing.
What equipment is essential for baking these cookies?
Basic tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber spatula, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, a cooling rack, and optionally, a rolling pin and cookie cutters.
How do I prepare the dough for Paula Deen’s sugar cookies?
Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately, add to wet mixture, chill dough, roll it out evenly, cut shapes, and bake.
At what temperature and time should these cookies be baked?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookies until they are lightly golden, usually around 8-10 minutes.
How should I cool and decorate the cookies?
Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before adding icing or sugar crystals. This helps decorations set nicely without melting.
Any tips for baking perfect sugar cookies?
Use room-temperature ingredients, beat butter and sugar well, measure precisely, chill dough before baking, roll evenly, and use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How long do Paula Deen’s sugar cookies stay fresh?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Refrigerated, they last up to 2 weeks; frozen, up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to store sugar cookies long term?
Wrap cookies individually, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Can I customize the sugar cookies?
Yes, you can decorate with colored sugar, icing, or raw sugar crystals to add a personal touch for any occasion.