Better Homes and Gardens Sugar Cookie Recipe: A Classic Delight

When it comes to baking, few treats are as universally beloved as sugar cookies. With their crisp edges, soft centers, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re a staple in many households, especially during the holidays. One of the most celebrated versions of this classic dessert comes from Better Homes and Gardens, a trusted name in home cooking and baking for decades. Their sugar cookie recipe is known for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious results, making it a go-to for bakers of all skill levels.

In this article, Floral Garden Ideas will delve into the Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe, exploring the ingredients, the step-by-step process, and tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Better Homes and Gardens Sugar Cookie Recipe

The Ingredients

The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their simplicity, and the Better Homes and Gardens recipe stays true to this tradition. The ingredients list is straightforward, with items you likely already have in your pantry:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds additional leavening for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to rich flavor and a soft texture.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): A popular addition for a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor.

The Method: Step-by-Step

One of the reasons the Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe is so beloved is its simplicity. Follow these steps for a batch of cookies that will disappear as soon as they’re out of the oven.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To prevent sticking and ensure even baking, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder for evenly distributed leavening agents.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookie’s texture.
4. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Continue mixing until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar for a sparkly finish. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers will still look slightly soft, but the cookies will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set, ensuring a chewy and tender texture.

Variations and Decorating Tips

One of the most appealing aspects of sugar cookies is their versatility. The Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe serves as an excellent base for various flavors and decorations, making it perfect for different occasions.

Icing and Sprinkles: Once cooled, these cookies can be decorated with royal icing, buttercream, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Sprinkles or colored sugar add a festive touch.

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts to create unique flavors. Lemon or orange zest can be added for a citrus twist, or try a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.

Cut-Out Cookies: This dough can also be rolled out and used with cookie cutters for shapes like stars, hearts, or holiday-themed designs. If you’re making cut-out cookies, you may need to chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent sticking.

Sandwich Cookies: Create sandwich cookies by pairing two cookies with a layer of jam, chocolate ganache, or buttercream in between.

Troubleshooting Tips

While the Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Too-soft butter can cause the cookies to spread too much, resulting in flat cookies.
• Chilling the Dough: If your dough seems too sticky or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading while baking.
• Watch the Bake Time: Sugar cookies can overbake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the centers look slightly underdone. They will finish baking and firm up as they cool.
• Even Baking: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies, rotate the trays halfway through the baking time to ensure even baking.

Storing and Freezing

Sugar cookies are ideal for make-ahead entertaining. After they’ve cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy them frozen for a quick treat, or thaw at room temperature to savor their fresh-baked flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe is a timeless classic, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious results. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to delight you. With its perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, along with endless possibilities for decoration and flavor variations, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a staple in kitchens for generations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful cookies that are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.