No-Spread Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven. These No-Spread Sugar Cookies are perfect for those who want beautifully shaped cookies that retain their form, making them ideal for decorating or just enjoying straight from the tray. With a delightful crisp exterior and a soft, buttery center, they are sure to be a hit in any home. Let’s dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe that will likely become your new favorite!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 150 calories
• Protein: 1.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Sugar: 8 grams
• Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This No-Spread Sugar Cookies

No-Spread Sugar Cookies are fantastic for a variety of occasions! Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, a birthday party, or simply want a sweet treat for the family, these cookies offer so much versatility. They maintain their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with frosting or sprinkles. Plus, the rich flavor of butter combined with the slight nuttiness of almond extract creates an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make No-Spread Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, creating a creamy texture and light color.

Step 4: Incorporating Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture. Make sure everything is well combined, as this blend adds flavor and richness to the dough.

Step 5: Combining Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Stir gently until no dry flour remains visible. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Leave some space between each ball as they may puff slightly during baking.

Step 7: Flattening Cookies

Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. This step helps give your cookies a nice, even shape and allows them to bake properly.

Step 8: Baking

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. They might look slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on wire racks. This cooling period is crucial as it allows them to set perfectly for that ideal texture.

How to Serve No-Spread Sugar Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They are also perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for a cookie swap. Get creative and decorate them with icing and sprinkles for festive occasions!

How to Store No-Spread Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect No-Spread Sugar Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy dough.
• Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes.
• Experiment with different extracts, such as lemon or hazelnut, for a unique flavor twist.
• If the dough feels a bit too soft, refrigerating it for 30 minutes can help with shaping.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Chip No-Spread Sugar Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
• Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Sprinkle Cookies: Mix in colored sprinkles for fun, festive cookies that are great for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While you can substitute margarine, butter gives the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

2. What if my dough is too crumbly?
   If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it holds together.

3. How do I know when my cookies are done?
   The edges should be golden brown, and the centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.

4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
   Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to adjust the baking times as needed.

5. What can I use instead of almond extract?
   Vanilla extract or even a splash of maple syrup can serve as perfect substitutes if you prefer not to use almond.

Conclusion

These No-Spread Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also a joy to eat. Their charming shape and delightful flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you decorate them for a special occasion or enjoy them simply as they are, these cookies promise to bring smiles and satisfaction. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try; your cookie jar will thank you!