Classic Country Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the nostalgia of baking with these Classic Country Sugar Cookies, inspired by traditional recipes that have stood the test of time. These cookies are characterized by their delicate balance of lightness and softness, featuring a beautifully crisp exterior that gives way to a tender center. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to whip up—no cookie cutters needed! Just roll the dough into balls and coat them in sugar. Whether enjoyed plain, frosted, or glazed, they're sure to bring joy, especially to kids. The dough freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for spontaneous baking. For the ultimate treat, try rolling them in colored sugar before baking for a festive touch. Note that the baking time can be adjusted according to your desired texture—bake them a little longer for a firmer cookie or keep them shorter for a chewy delight. Join the fun and recreate sweet childhood memories with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups (1 cup recommended for less sweetness)
cream of tartar
2 teaspoons (optional, for added structure)
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon (for leavening)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
eggs
2 (large, room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (or use vanilla powder)
all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (sifted)
additional granulated sugar
1/4-1/3 cup (for rolling)
confectioners' sugar
1 lb (for frosting)
additional butter or margarine
1/2 cup (softened (for frosting))
milk
3-4 tablespoons (to reach desired frosting consistency)
food coloring
as desired (optional, for icing)
candy sprinkles
optional (for decoration)
corn syrup
4 teaspoons (for glaze)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds until creamy.
2
Gradually add 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until the mixture is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract (or powder) until thoroughly mixed, creating a smooth batter.
4
Gradually add 2 ¾ cups of flour, mixing with the electric mixer until it becomes too thick to mix. At this stage, switch to a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour until the dough comes together.
5
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing it to firm up.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper.
7
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, rolling them in ¼ to ⅓ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness and sparkle.
8
Place the sugar-coated balls on baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, monitoring closely until they are lightly golden and firm around the edges.
10
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for one minute before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
11
For frosting, beat together ½ cup softened butter and 1 lb sifted confectioners' sugar until smooth. Incorporate vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
12
Spread the frosting on cooled cookies using a spatula, allowing them to set a moment before adding sprinkles to prevent moisture absorption.
13
For a simple glaze, mix 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 6 to 7 teaspoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Optionally, color the glaze with food coloring.
14
Glaze the cookies by either dipping the top into the glaze or spooning it on. Let them dry on a cooling rack, and then decorate with contrasting colors if desired.
15
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container once the glaze has completely dried.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Country Sugar Cookies?
Classic Country Sugar Cookies are traditional, nostalgic cookies known for being light and soft with a crisp exterior and a tender center.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a delicate balance of lightness and softness, featuring a crisp exterior and a tender center.
Do I need cookie cutters for this recipe?
No cookie cutters are needed; you simply roll the dough into balls and coat them in sugar.
How do I shape the cookie dough?
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar for sweetness and sparkle.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for spontaneous baking.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to firm up before baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 5 to 10 minutes until they are lightly golden and firm around the edges.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
For a chewy delight, bake the cookies for a shorter amount of time.
How can I achieve a firmer cookie?
Bake the cookies a little longer if you prefer a firmer texture.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar is optional but helps add structure to the cookies.
Can I use vanilla powder instead of extract?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vanilla extract or vanilla powder.
What should I roll the dough in before baking?
Roll the dough balls in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of granulated sugar; you can also use colored sugar for a festive touch.
How do I prepare the frosting?
Beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 lb sifted confectioners' sugar until smooth, then incorporate vanilla and milk.
How do I make a simple glaze for the cookies?
Mix 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 6 to 7 teaspoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
How should I store decorated cookies?
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container once the glaze has completely dried.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Should the butter be softened?
Yes, use softened butter for both the cookie dough and the frosting.
How many eggs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 2 large, room temperature eggs.
When should I add sprinkles to the frosting?
Allow the frosting to set for a moment before adding sprinkles to prevent moisture absorption.
How far apart should I space the dough balls?
Place the sugar-coated balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading.
What should I use to line the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with foil or parchment paper.
Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
Yes, you can optionally color the glaze with food coloring as desired.
How do I apply the glaze to the cookies?
You can glaze the cookies by either dipping the top into the glaze or spooning it on.
How long should cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for one minute before transferring them to wire racks.
What should I do if the dough becomes too thick for the mixer?
Switch to a wooden spoon to stir in the remaining flour once the dough becomes too thick for the electric mixer.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, these cookies are described as kid-friendly treats that are sure to bring joy.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the dough?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 cup of granulated sugar instead of 1 1/4 cups for less sweetness.
What ingredients are needed for the glaze?
The glaze requires confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla, and 4 teaspoons of corn syrup.
How do I achieve a smooth frosting consistency?
Incorporate enough milk into the butter and sugar mixture until you reach your desired consistency.