If there’s one recipe that fills my heart with joy and my home with delightful aromas, it’s my Heavenly Sugar Cookies. Each batch brings back a flood of memories—baking alongside my grandmother, who taught me that the secret ingredient is always love (and perhaps a sprinkle of mischief!). Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies are the perfect companion for sharing laughter and creating memories.
What makes these cookies special, you ask? Well, they’re not just deliciously soft and sweet; they’re also incredibly versatile! The frosting can be customized for any occasion, making them a blank canvas for your creativity. I often find myself decorating these little delights for birthdays, holidays, or even just to cheer myself up with a bit of color. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
What’s in Heavenly Sugar Cookies?
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cookies! I always use King Arthur Flour for its consistent results.
- 1 tsp baking soda: This helps the cookies rise perfectly, giving them that soft texture we crave.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Another leavener, ensuring the cookies are light and fluffy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming with the sugar.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: The sweetness that balances out all the flavors. I use granulated sugar from Domino.
- 1 egg: This adds moisture and binds everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: You can’t go wrong with pure vanilla! I use Madagascar vanilla for its rich flavor.
- ½ tsp almond extract: This subtle flavor adds a lovely depth that sets these cookies apart.
- 1 tsp salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Perfect for frosting! I like to sift it for a smoother texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: This is for decorating and ensuring a sturdy frosting.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds creaminess to our frosting; I recommend whole milk for the best results.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: More flavor for our frosting! Because who can ever have enough vanilla?
- Green food coloring: To give our frosting that festive flair!
- Sprinkles (green and white, for decoration): These add a fun crunch and festive look.
Are Heavenly Sugar Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these sugar cookies are more of an indulgence than a health food! The unsalted butter and white sugar definitely contribute to their heavenly taste but not so much to nutritious value. However, they bring joy, and let’s not underestimate the benefits of a sweet treat enjoyed in moderation!
For a slightly healthier twist, consider swapping out some of the white sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. Just remember, these cookies are all about the joy of baking (and eating!), so don’t stress too much. Life is too short not to enjoy a sugar cookie now and then!
Ingredients List
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for decorating)
- ¼ cup milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Green food coloring
- Sprinkles (green and white, for decoration)
How to Make Heavenly Sugar Cookies?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you gather your ingredients. Nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies to get you excited!
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this dry mix aside; it’s about to work its magic!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Pro tip: don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference!
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well blended.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be gentle; we don’t want tough cookies!
- Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly; this gives them that classic cookie shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them! Nothing worse than over-baked cookies.
- Once baked, let them cool on wire racks. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- While they’re cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost each cooled cookie with the fabulous green frosting, and sprinkle some green and white sprinkles on top before it sets. Get creative here! The more sprinkle fun, the better.
- Allow the frosting to dry before serving or storing your heavenly creations. And of course, enjoy with a glass of milk!
Sweet Tips for Sugar Cookie Success!
- Variations are endless! Feel free to change up the colors of the frosting and sprinkles for different occasions.
- If you want to add some zest, try incorporating lemon or orange zest into your dough for a refreshing burst.
- Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft, or freeze them for a treat later.
These Heavenly Sugar Cookies are bound to light up any gathering or brighten a quiet day. They come with the sweetest memories and endless possibilities. So grab your apron, channel your inner baker, and whip up a batch! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out, so be sure to share your cookie adventures with me! Happy baking!
