Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies are the quintessential treat that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchens. With their soft, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday party, or simply a quiet afternoon at home. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating these delightful cookies that not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous with a sprinkle of festive sanding sugars.
Why are these cookies worth making? Their simplicity and flexibility make them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. With minimal ingredients and quick assembly, they’re perfect for busy schedules yet bring the warmth of home-baked goodness that’s sure to delight everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies is their incredibly easy preparation. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up a batch of these beauties. Just a little mixing and measuring, and you’re well on your way to cookie bliss.
These cookies are remarkably family-friendly, as they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. They also offer a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional baking sessions with loved ones. Minimal ingredients mean they are budget-friendly and perfect for impromptu baking sessions when you’re short on time. Lastly, their delightful flavor and festive appearance make them suitable for holidays, making every occasion feel special.
Ingredients for Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
- ½ cup salted butter, softened to a creamy texture
- 2 ounces cream cheese, adding richness and tenderness
- 1½ cups granulated sugar, for that perfect sweetness
- 2 large eggs, bringing moisture and binding power
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, for a warm, inviting flavor
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract, giving a hint of nutty sweetness
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, forming the base of the cookies
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, enhancing the softness
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, helping them rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt, balancing the sweetness
- Red and green sanding sugars, for that festive touch
Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
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Mix the Base: Begin by beating the softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix the batter on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually mix in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Shape and Decorate: Gently press each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. Don’t forget to sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar before baking!
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Bake to Perfection: Bake your cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the cookies still look pale. Keep a close eye on them; you want them soft and chewy!
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Cool & Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up while still maintaining that soft center.
Tips & Tricks
- Chef’s Secret: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough.
- Optional Extras: Feel free to add colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips to the dough to give a fun twist.
- Freezing Hacks: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before scooping and proceeding with the recipe.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies shine on their own, but for a delightful twist, pair them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm day. You can plate them in creative ways, such as in a festive tin for gift-giving or stacked high on a cute dessert platter for family gatherings. Consider adding a few fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate for a gourmet touch!
Nutritional Information
Each Easy Grandma Sugar Cookie contains approximately 92 calories, with the following nutritional breakdown:
- Total Fat: 4.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Indulging in these cookies feels like a special treat, allowing for joyful moments without feeling overly guilty.
Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
If you have leftovers after your cookie baking session, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re looking to freeze them, ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. After freezing, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature before serving.
For healthier swaps, consider using coconut oil instead of butter and swapping out half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour. To jazz things up, incorporate citrus zest, or experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut.
Conclusion for Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
Now that you know how to make Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies, don’t wait too long to try this simple and rewarding recipe. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the simple joys of life, family, and delicious cookies fresh from the oven. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the nostalgia unfold in your kitchen!
FAQs
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Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, though it may alter the flavor slightly. For best results, stick to real butter for a richer taste. -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 in substitution. -
What if I want to make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later baking. -
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set, but the centers should still appear pale and slightly underbaked for that chewy texture. -
Can I add other flavors to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts or even mix in nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Easy Grandma Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup salted butter, softened Softened to a creamy texture
- 2 ounces cream cheese Adds richness and tenderness
- 1½ cups granulated sugar For the perfect sweetness
- 2 large eggs For moisture and binding
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract For warm flavor
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract Adds a hint of nutty sweetness
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the cookies
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Enhances softness
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- to taste none red and green sanding sugars For a festive touch
Instructions
Mix the Base
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually mix in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until a cohesive dough forms.
- Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Shape and Decorate
- Press each ball gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar before baking.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the cookies still look pale.
Cool & Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.