Sugar cookies, the Houdinis of baking – they start as dough, and poof, magic! Like edible canvases, they go from "I'm a circle" to "I'm a dinosaur wearing sunglasses." They're basically the mood ring of desserts. From classic to "I spent an hour on Pinterest," sugar cookies are the sweet daredevils of the oven. Ready for a bite? It's like tasting a tiny piece of sugar-coated joy – the legal kind.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (because, well, we're trying to be all-purpose in life)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (to give those cookies a little pop)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (because cookies need a lift, just like our spirits)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (like a hug, but for your cookies)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar (because sweetness is non-negotiable)
- 1 large egg (the unifying force of the cookie universe)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the Beyoncé of baking)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for those feeling a bit nutty)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk, because we're not picky)
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating (optional, but let's be honest, it's the fancy sweater of cookies)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), or as hot as your neighbor's latest gossip.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. You know, the dry squad.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it's as fluffy as your cat after a nap.
- Beat in the egg, because every cookie needs a partner in crime.
- Add the vanilla extract, the diva of flavor, and almond extract if you're feeling a bit extra.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, like adding friends to a party. Mix until everyone gets along.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and refrigerate. It's the cookie's spa day.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters – it's like giving your cookies a red-carpet entrance.
- Place those divas on the baking sheets, with enough space for their personal bubbles.
- Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar. Because even cookies need accessories.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden, like a perfect sunset. Don't let them overstay their welcome in the oven; we're not running a cookie rehab here.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets – they need a moment to reflect on their sweet existence.
Voila! Enjoy your cookies; they're comedy in every bite.