Making sugar cookies that keep their shape during baking involves a few key techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly shaped sugar cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done using a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer.
Add the egg and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and there are no streaks of flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix.
Form the dough: Divide the dough into two or three equal portions. Form each portion into a disc shape and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours or until firm. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to your desired thickness (typically around 1/4 inch or 6 mm).
Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Dip the cookie cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
Transfer to baking sheets: Carefully lift the cut-out shapes with a spatula and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Chill the cookies: Before baking, it's essential to chill the cut-out cookies for about 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Bake the cookies: Bake the chilled cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. They should be slightly golden around the edges but not browned.
Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
By following these steps and ensuring your dough is adequately chilled before baking, you can make sugar cookies that maintain their shape and look beautifully defined.