Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies: A Timeless Recipe for Perfect Holiday Treats

Sugar cookies. Just the name evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and the sweet anticipation of holidays. There are countless sugar cookie recipes out there, each with its own twist, but some recipes stand the test of time. This recipe for Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies, adapted from a cherished family collection, is one of those recipes. Simple, reliable, and utterly delicious, these cookies are perfect for baking with loved ones, decorating with vibrant icing, and sharing with friends and neighbors.

This isn’t just another sugar cookie recipe; it’s a journey back to simpler times, to kitchens filled with the aroma of butter and vanilla, and to moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and rewarding.

## Why This Recipe Works

What sets Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies apart? It’s the perfect balance of ingredients and a straightforward method that ensures a tender, slightly chewy cookie with crisp edges. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

* **Simple Ingredients:** No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients are required. You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
* **Easy to Follow:** The instructions are clear and concise, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Versatile:** These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity. Decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, or enjoy them plain.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates a classic sugar cookie flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible.
* **Great for Baking with Kids:** The simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for getting kids involved in the baking process. They’ll love rolling, cutting, and decorating the cookies.

## Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 2-3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

**Yields:** 2-3 dozen cookies
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Chill time:** 2 hours (minimum)
**Cook time:** 8-12 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt

### Equipment:

* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
* Cookie cutters
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Wire rack

### Instructions

**Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar**

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Make sure the butter is properly softened, but not melted. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream; if it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking.

**Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla**

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter before adding the vanilla. This helps to create a smooth and uniform dough.

**Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients**

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the cookies to rise properly and have a balanced flavor.

**Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.

**Step 5: Form Dough into Discs and Chill**

Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is essential for several reasons:

* It allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender cookie.
* It firms up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
* It makes the dough easier to roll out and cut.

**Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.

**Step 7: Roll Out the Dough**

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough at a time to about ¼ inch thickness. Keep the remaining dough chilled while you work. If the dough is too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to work with.

**Step 8: Cut Out Shapes**

Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Dip the cookie cutters in flour before each cut to prevent the dough from sticking. Re-roll scraps of dough and cut out more shapes until all the dough is used.

**Step 9: Bake the Cookies**

Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep a close eye on them.

**Step 10: Cool the Cookies**

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on the baking sheets allows them to firm up before they are moved, preventing them from breaking.

**Step 11: Decorate (Optional)**

Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, or any other desired decorations. Get creative and have fun!

## Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter is key to creaming properly with the sugar. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream, and if it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking. The ideal consistency is when you can press your finger into the butter and leave a slight indentation.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and making them easier to roll out.
* **Roll Out the Dough Evenly:** Roll the dough out to an even thickness to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. Unevenly rolled dough can result in some cookies being overbaked while others are underbaked.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely Before Decorating:** Decorating warm cookies can cause the icing to melt or the sprinkles to slide off.

## Decorating Ideas

The possibilities for decorating sugar cookies are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Royal Icing:** Royal icing is a classic choice for decorating sugar cookies. It dries hard and smooth, making it perfect for creating intricate designs.
* **Sprinkles:** Sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add color and texture to your cookies. Choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
* **Colored Sugar:** Colored sugar adds a sweet and sparkly finish to your cookies. Simply sprinkle it on before baking or after icing.
* **Edible Markers:** Edible markers are great for drawing fine details on your cookies.
* **Fondant:** Fondant can be used to create elaborate decorations on your cookies.
* **Chocolate:** Drizzle melted chocolate over your cookies for a decadent treat.

## Storage Instructions

Store baked sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag.

## Variations

* **Lemon Sugar Cookies:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Orange Sugar Cookies:** Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a warm and fragrant flavor.
* **Almond Sugar Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
* **Chocolate Sugar Cookies:** Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spice Sugar Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and spicy flavor.

## Lorraine’s Legacy

This recipe for Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it’s a connection to the past, a celebration of family traditions, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. Baking these cookies is an opportunity to create memories with loved ones and share the sweetness with the world. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies.

## Conclusion

Lorraine’s Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and delicious flavor, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. So, bake a batch today and share the sweetness with the world!