Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies are a classic, soft, and slightly chewy treat with a crisp edge and a sweet, buttery flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks. Here's a simple recipe to make them:
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 granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg and extracts:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
6. Shape the cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the extra 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
7. Bake the cookies:
- Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft.
8. Cool and serve:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Customization: You can add sprinkles to the cookies before baking for a fun pop of color, or even a handful of chocolate chips or m&ms for extra sweetness.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage.
These Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion, with a delicate vanilla flavor and a slightly crisp edge. Enjoy!