Get ready to discover Lynda Burford's legendary sugar cookie recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary delights! These classic American cookies are more than just a sweet treat – they're a nostalgic journey back to grandma's kitchen, promising a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, buttery centers that will have your family and friends swooning with every bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- If the dough seems too sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or the bottom of a glass to create a uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted - room temperature is key for creamy, smooth dough.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough if it feels too sticky, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Watch your cookies closely in the last few minutes of baking - golden edges mean perfect texture.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their delightful crispness.
- For extra flair, consider decorating with simple icing or colored sugar sprinkles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg