Description of this recipe
These Drop Sugar Cookies are a classic, no-fuss treat that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. Unlike their rolled and cut-out counterparts, these cookies require no chilling (except for a brief stint to prevent spreading!), no rolling, and no intricate decorating. They’re incredibly simple to make, making them ideal for beginner bakers or anyone craving a quick and satisfying homemade cookie. The dough comes together in minutes, and the delightful, slightly crinkled cookies are ready to enjoy in under half an hour. Their simple, unfussy nature makes them perfect for everyday enjoyment, holiday baking, or a last-minute treat when company calls. The addition of cream of tartar gives them a delightful tang and soft texture, while a generous coating of sprinkles or granulated sugar adds a touch of festive flair. Get ready to experience the joy of freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies without the hassle!
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore these Drop Sugar Cookies for their simplicity, delicious flavor, and versatility. If you’re short on time but crave the satisfaction of homemade cookies, this recipe is your savior. Here’s why you’ll be making these again and again:
- Unbelievably Easy: Forget the rolling pin and cookie cutters! These cookies are made by simply scooping and dropping dough onto a baking sheet. The minimal effort involved makes them perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert fix.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a soft, slightly chewy center with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cream of tartar is the secret ingredient that contributes to this delightful consistency.
- Customizable: While the basic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste. Add a hint of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Experiment with different sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a simple glaze for added flair.
- Kid-Friendly: Get the kids involved in the baking process! Scooping and rolling the dough in sprinkles is a fun and easy activity for little hands. These cookies are also guaranteed to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a school bake sale, or simply a cozy night in, these Drop Sugar Cookies are always a welcome treat. Their simple elegance makes them suitable for any occasion.
- Freezer-Friendly: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Nostalgic flavor: These cookies taste like the ones your grandma used to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (260 g)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (290 g)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- For rolling: sprinkles or granulated sugar
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare pan and preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar with a handheld mixer for 2-3 minutes. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter, more delicate texture.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients: Add the large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
Step 5: Scoop dough and roll in sprinkles: Use a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to scoop the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball. Roll each ball in sprinkles or granulated sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread evenly during baking.
Step 6: Refrigerate dough: Place the cookie sheets with the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill the dough. This brief chilling period helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Step 7: Bake: Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Package them in a decorative box and give them as a homemade gift.
- Serve them as part of a dessert platter at a party.
- Enjoy them as a simple afternoon snack.
- Pair them with a cup of tea for a cozy treat.
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a softer cookie, underbake them slightly.
- For a crispier cookie, bake them a minute or two longer.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for added flavor.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a more complex cookie.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
9-10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams per cookie
- Sodium: Approximately 50-75 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These Drop Sugar Cookies are a testament to the fact that simple recipes can often be the most satisfying. With their soft, chewy texture, customizable flavor, and incredibly easy preparation, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe will empower you to create delicious, homemade cookies that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these delightful Drop Sugar Cookies. Happy baking!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While it’s generally recommended to use unsalted butter in baking so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe, you can substitute salted butter if that’s all you have on hand. If you do, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by about 1/4 teaspoon to compensate. Be aware that the flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Scoop the dough into balls as directed in the recipe, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for about 30 minutes, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and bake them as directed in the recipe, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Q3: What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
A: Cream of tartar helps to give these cookies their signature soft and chewy texture. If you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it, but the cookies may be slightly flatter and crisper. Alternatively, you can try substituting 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar for the 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Q4: Can I add other flavorings to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about these Drop Sugar Cookies is that they are incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste. You can add a variety of extracts, such as almond, lemon, or peppermint, to the dough. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles to the dough for added flavor and texture.
Q5: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
A: There are several reasons why your cookies might have spread too much during baking. One common cause is that the butter was too soft. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Another reason could be that you overmixed the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can cause the cookies to spread. Finally, make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you are using the correct baking temperature. Chilling the dough before baking can also help to prevent spreading.
