The Ultimate Sprinkle-licious Sugar Cookie Recipe
Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies that are as visually stunning as they are delicious? This recipe for sugar cookies with sprinkles will become your go-to for holiday baking, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweet, colorful magic. We'll cover everything from the perfect dough consistency to creative sprinkle application techniques, ensuring your cookies are picture-perfect and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough:
This recipe yields approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on size.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (very important for texture!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Your favorite sprinkles! (Aim for a variety of colors and sizes for visual appeal)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. (For even better results, chill for 1-2 hours.)
6. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out the cookies. Re-roll scraps as needed.
9. Add Sprinkles: Generously sprinkle the tops of the cookies with your chosen sprinkles. Press them gently into the dough to ensure they adhere.
10. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Extra Delicious & Beautiful Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This affects the texture significantly.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading and creates a more manageable dough.
- Get Creative with Sprinkles: Experiment with different types, colors, and sizes of sprinkles. Consider adding sprinkles to the dough before rolling it out for a fun surprise inside the cookie.
- Vary the Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create interesting shapes and sizes.
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