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So if you are looking for the best sugar cookie recipe let’s bake together! Chewy sugar cookies are the best, and my honey asked for them specifically. This is a classic sugar cookie recipe, that you can decorate with royal icing and sprinkles if you wish. That buttery melt in your mouth goodness is what a perfect sugar cookie is all about and it’s just the easiest recipe too. Soft cookies are just so good. Do you prefer soft chocolate chip cookies or crispy ones? It really is personal preference. This cookie is soft and crispy on the edges. The best of both worlds! Our sugar cookie recipe is without vanilla, but we’ve left notes below for you to add it in if you wish. We like the light fresh flavour that you will enjoy with lemon zest added instead. And we add a little lemon juice to the powdered (confectioner’s) sugar icing. Sugar cookies must have sprinkles IMHO! So why are we baking this sugar cookie recipe without vanilla? Well vanilla flavor can be very strong and it can overpower the sweetness of the butter and sugar. I really like the lemon zest, or you could add almond extract, maybe some nutmeg or cinnamon if you prefer. That’s the fun part about baking a recipe like this one. You get to add your own flavours and make new recipes. Just like our easy biscotti recipe. Ingredients you will need for these easy sugar cookies includes: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Tips for making this easy cookie recipe without vanilla extract
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Recipe FAQsWill my cookies taste ok without vanilla? Absolutely! Vanilla is added into just about every baking recipe – desserts etc., but it does have a very strong flavour. I would recommend that you add the lemon zest suggested in this recipe. Can I freeze the baked sugar cookies? Yes, which is why this is such a perfect sugar cookie recipe! After the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will be fine for up to 3 months. What other flavouring could I use instead of vanilla? You could try different extracts, like almond extract, lemon extract or sprinkle in a little nutmeg or cinnamon. Or both! These are the best sugar cookiesCream the butter with a hand mixerIn a separate bowl mix the flour, sugar & baking soda Add the eggs, one at a time to the creamed butter Gradually blend in the flour sugar mixture to the butter and eggsBlend until all ingredients are well mixedForm the dough into a rectangle shape, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for one hour Use a cookie scoop, roll the dough in sugar then press with the back of a spoon Soft and chewy sugar cookies that freeze really well too! Like I said earlier, you can never have too many cookie recipes, especially this easy sugar cookie recipe without vanilla. I think the lemon zest gives it a wonderful fresh flavour! If you love this recipe, please give it a 5 star rating, and leave a comment below! Ingredients
InstructionsLine your cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the lemon zest*. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. Wrap dough with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Use a teaspoon or cookie scoop to get the same amount of dough each time, and roll the dough into small balls. Then roll the balls in the 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly. Tip: I use the bottom of a small glass to do this – or the back of a large spoon Add some sprinkles to each cookie (optional) or wait until the cookies are baked and cooled, then you add some frosting and sprinkles (again, totally optional) Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. I bake in a convection oven at 350F for 10 minutes and the sugar cookies are perfect Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure you let them really cool down because if not they will break. Instructions for a cutout sugar cookies: After the dough has chilled for 1 hour, separate the dough into two balls – Using a rolling pin, roll out the cookie dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper (waxed paper) or my fave, the DoughEZ rolling system Carefully cut out the cookies using your favorite cookie cutters. Bake at the same temp and times, and just until the cookies are golden around the edges. Oven temperatures vary according to heating method, make and model, and altitude. So this isn’t a recipe that you can stick in the oven and walk away from. Maybe bake the first tray and check back often to make sure they don’t burn! Nutrition Information: Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1 Pin it for later! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});More from Pie Lady BakesPumpkin MuffinsA sweet and spicy muffin that will tempt pumpkin lovers everywhere! We make 12 large muffins, but you could make mini muffins too - more to love! Be sure to double the recipe though, so there is lots to enjoy, warm from the oven, and plenty to freeze for later. Enjoy. Strawberry Rhubarb PieThe combination of rhubarb with either fresh or frozen strawberries results in
an old fashioned fruit pie. We all love EASY right? These recipes will put a smile on everyone's faces! Just click that big button to get our latest content by email. Hi there, I'm Judy, it's awesome to meet you! I'm a writer, master pie baker and I've been helping people reach their personal and career goals for over 30 years. I believe everyone should experience the joy of creating old fashioned recipes, just like Mom or Grandma used to make. And I also help you to create those memories for you and your family with Simple, Delicious, Wholesome recipes that you can learn to make. We also help you discover that Simple Living isn't just a concept. It's a state of mind. Comforting food and Simple Living. It's all here. You can read more on my About page! What can I use if I don't have vanilla extract for chocolate chip cookies?After vanilla, one of the most common extracts people use in baking is almond extract. You can replace vanilla extract with almond extract at a 1:1 ratio. That means, replace every 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of vanilla extract in the recipe with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of almond extract.
Can I skip vanilla extract in cookies?Vanilla extract is not necessary in terms of the structure of a baking recipe. However, leaving it out of a recipe will change the flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor in cookies, cakes, and muffins and other recipes.
What can I use to substitute vanilla extract?Maple Syrup
If you are preparing a recipe that requires vanilla extract and you find that you've run out of vanilla in all its forms, don't despair. Some bakers use an equal measure of pure maple syrup in its place; it's best to avoid imitation maple syrup, which is mostly just corn syrup.
Does vanilla extract make a difference in cookies?Vanilla does offer more than just a bit of floral flavor. Sometimes it's a flavor enhancer and sometimes it's a flavor balancer. But to be honest, unless it's a vanilla cookie, it's not a true dealbreaker. Especially if you're making cookies that have lots of other flavors going on, like coconut or dark chocolate.
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