🍪 Annette’s Basic Sugar Cookies 🍪
What is it?
Annette’s Basic Sugar Cookies are classic, mouthwatering treats that have been enjoyed for generations. These cookies are sweet, buttery, and have a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. They’re often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a popular choice for holidays and special occasions.
History:
Sugar cookies have a rich history dating back to the 18th century. They originated in Europe and were initially known as “Nazareth Cookies” in Pennsylvania, USA. These cookies became particularly popular during Christmas, as they were easy to cut into festive shapes and decorate. Over time, sugar cookies have evolved into a beloved year-round treat enjoyed by people of all ages.
Components:
- 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 (optional)
- Sprinkles or icing for decoration (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Mix until well combined.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough, not tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and cut.
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Roll and Cut: Preheat your rolling surface with a bit of flour. Roll out one disk of dough to your desired thickness (typically around 1/4 inch). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake; you want them soft in the middle.
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Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or any toppings you prefer.
Total Time:
- Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Chilling: 1 hour or more
- Baking: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Decorating: Variable, depending on your creativity!
So, whether you’re baking these delightful sugar cookies for a holiday celebration or just for a sweet treat any time of the year, they are sure to be a hit! Enjoy your baking adventure! 🍪😊🎉
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition facts and health information for Annette’s Basic Sugar Cookies:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 medium-sized cookie):
- Calories: 50-80 calories (depending on size and decoration)
- Total Fat: 3-4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-15 milligrams
- Sodium: 25-40 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 6-10 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Protein: 0-1 gram
Health Information:
- Sugar cookies are a delicious treat but are typically high in sugar and fat content, which can contribute to excess calorie intake if consumed in large quantities.
- The use of unsalted butter allows for better control of sodium intake, but the overall sodium content remains relatively low.
- While sugar cookies can be a fun indulgence, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Decorating with excessive amounts of icing and sprinkles can increase the sugar content significantly, so be mindful of portion sizes when adding decorations.
Remember, the nutritional values can vary based on the size and decoration of the cookies, so it’s essential to adjust these figures accordingly if you make larger or smaller cookies or use different ingredients for decoration. Enjoy your sugar cookies responsibly as an occasional treat! 😊🍪
