These Classic Sugar Cookies are rich, buttery, and chewy. I’m pretty sure it’s a must that sugar cookies must be consumed during the holidays. Right??
During the holiday season, the humble sugar cookie doesn’t often get its due. But I think everyone should have a basic Sugar Cookie recipe in their repertoire and for me this is it!
I decided to spoil the hubby with these cookies since they are his favorite holiday treat. Hey you gotta do what you gotta do to keep your man happy right? 🙂
How to make classic sugar cookies
The process is very simple but you do have to plan ahead since the dough needs to chill for a couple of hours before baking. This will help the dough get firm and won’t spread when in the oven.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat until just combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll the chilled dough until you reach 1/4 inch in thickness.
- Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut shapes in the dough and transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until they are set but not browned. Remove from the oven and place the baking sheet on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely.
MAKING THE BASIC ROYAL ICING:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth. It should have the texture of a glaze (if it’s too thin, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice.)
- Glaze cookies with a pastry bag fitted with a small medium tip or just by using a spoon. Let the icing harden before serving.
- The cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Try Atole de Avena (Oatmeal drink) for a classic Mexican treat!
Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cups unsalted butter 1.5 sticks
- 2 tablespoons cod vegetable shortening
- 2/3 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
- 2 egg whites from large eggs
- 2 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat until just combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll the chilled dough until you reach 1/4 inch in thickness.
- Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut shapes in the dough and transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until they are set but not browned. Remove from the oven and place the baking sheet on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely.
Making the Basic Royal Icing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth. It should have the texture of a glaze (if it's too thin, add a bit more sugar. If it's too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice.)
- Glaze cookies with a pastry bag fitted with a small medium tip or just by using a spoon. Let the icing harden before serving.
- The cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Muy Delish Notes:
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Nutrition
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
Even if you’ve been baking the same holiday cookies for years, there are always a few new tricks to learn. Do you bake the same cookies all the time or do you like to try new recipes?
I’m always looking for new ones so let me know what’s your favorite ones to add here. I hope you have a fantastic holiday season!
Ana, these are amazing. Will be making them again!