Get ready to revolutionize your baking game with the most irresistible slice-and-bake sugar cookies you've ever tasted! These aren't just any ordinary cookies – they're a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Imagine creating bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort, from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are about to become your new go-to treat for every occasion!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons colored sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the cookie dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Roll the log in colored sugar, coating the exterior evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cookies will appear slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Chill, Baby, Chill: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for 1-2 hours helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper flavors.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and make clean, even cuts about 1/4-inch thick for consistent baking.
- Sugar Coating Hack: Roll the dough log in colored sugar just before slicing for a professional bakery look and extra crunch.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull the cookies out when the edges are just lightly golden. They'll continue to set as they cool.
- Storage Secret: Keep these cookies in an airtight container to maintain their perfect texture for up to a week.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extract combinations or add a pinch of spice like cinnamon for a unique twist.Pro Tip: These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can keep the dough log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month – talk about convenient baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
