Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies: Irresistible Holiday Treats 🍪

Sugar Cookies Recipe

Overview:

Delight your taste buds with these delectable sugar cookies, infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla and almond extracts, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re crafting them into intricate Christmas shapes or opting for the simplicity of slice-and-bake logs, these cookies are bound to impress. A shoutout to PetitFour for the original inspiration behind this recipe!

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract, or a combination of both for enhanced flavor)

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 1266.2
• Fat: 49.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 30.1g
• Cholesterol: 215mg
• Sodium: 426.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 190.3g
  • Fiber: 3.2g
  • Sugar: 100.7g
• Protein: 15.7g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.

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2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes a few minutes and helps aerate the mixture for a tender texture.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing. Then, add the vanilla extract (or almond extract, or both for a delightful twist) and continue mixing until well combined.

4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:
   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cookies.

5. Knead and Chill the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and knead it a couple of times until it becomes smooth and cohesive. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator until firm, approximately one hour. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.

6. Roll and Cut:
   Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out to your desired thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply slice it into logs for slice-and-bake cookies. Get creative with your shapes and sizes!

7. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.

8. Cool and Enjoy:
   Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the temptation to devour them straight from the oven, as they will be quite fragile while hot. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Enjoy these delightful sugar cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply on their own!

Tips:

• For an extra festive touch, decorate your sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter before baking or after cooling.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit various occasions and preferences. These cookies are versatile enough to adapt to any celebration or craving.

Indulge in the joy of baking and savor the sweet simplicity of homemade sugar cookies. With their buttery texture, subtle sweetness, and hint of aromatic extracts, these treats are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in quiet moments of self-care, these cookies are a delicious reminder of life’s simple pleasures. Enjoy every delightful bite! 🍪✨