As the sweet aroma of baking cookies wafts through the house, I find myself transported to simpler times. There's something irresistibly nostalgic about making Giant Sugar Cookies—these treats are not just desserts; they hold the power to create cherished memories. With their soft, chewy centers surrounded by a lightly crisp crust, they are both a delightful indulgence and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any festive occasion. What I love most is how quick and easy they are to whip up, making baking a fun and stress-free experience even on the busiest days. Plus, with endless variations like adding almond extract or a sprinkle of colorful toppings, you can easily personalize them to suit your taste! Curious to learn how to create these delightful cookies that are sure to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Giant Sugar Cookies a must-try?
Nostalgic Comfort: These cookies bring back memories of childhood baking, making them a perfect treat for family gatherings.
Soft & Chewy: With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, each bite feels indulgent yet comforting.
Easy to Personalize: Try adding almond extract or festive sprinkles for a unique twist! You can even check out the versatile variation ideas in the recipe to explore more flavors.
Quick & Simple: You don’t need to be a pro baker; this recipe ensures anyone can create these delightful treats without fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing: They are bound to impress your guests, making them a hit at parties or holiday celebrations!
Giant Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a soft rise; substitute with baking soda if needed, adjusting accordingly.
• Baking Soda – Enhances texture; typically not substitutable, adjust salt if omitted.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for taste.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free options.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to crunch; try brown sugar for a caramel flavor.
• Egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness; for egg-free, use a flax egg or applesauce.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds deep flavor; substitute with almond or maple extract to switch it up.
• Almond Extract (optional) – Offers a nutty flavor; omit if allergic or prefer simplicity.
For Decoration
• Colorful Sugar or Sprinkles – Enhances visual appeal and adds a fun texture; use any festive sprinkles for an exciting finish.
These Giant Sugar Cookies are not only a culinary delight but also a chance to express your creativity in the kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Giant Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating, take two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious Giant Sugar Cookies. This preparation will help your cookies bake evenly and keep their vibrant color.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the flour, ensuring your cookies will be light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes. Aim for a light and fluffy texture; this indicates that you've successfully incorporated air and will create the soft, chewy centers characteristic of your Giant Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Blend everything together until fully combined. The rich, creamy blend will provide the perfect base for your cookies, enhancing their flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this may lead to tough cookies. The dough should appear slightly sticky and well-blended, setting the stage for your delightful Giant Sugar Cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Using a ¼ cup measuring tool, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheets, spaced about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. This spacing is essential to prevent your cookies from merging during baking, ensuring they maintain their beautiful shape.
Step 7: Flatten and Decorate
Gently flatten each dough ball using the bottom of a glass. For an added visual appeal, sprinkle each flattened ball with colorful sugar or festive sprinkles. This step not only enhances the cookie's look but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite of your Giant Sugar Cookies.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden while the centers may still look slightly soft. This is the perfect stage for the chewy texture you desire in your Giant Sugar Cookies, which will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set. Afterward, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, keeping their soft, fluffy texture intact while they await your enjoyment!
Tips for the Best Giant Sugar Cookies
Mixing Magic: Avoid over-mixing the dough when combining dry and wet ingredients to ensure your Giant Sugar Cookies remain soft and tender.
Keep an Eye on Baking: Watch the baking time closely; over-baking can transition these treats from chewy to hard. Aim for golden edges and soft centers!
Dough Spacing: Ensure dough balls are spaced at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for the perfect spread as they bake—no cookie merging here!
Sifting Flour: For an ultra-light texture, consider sifting the flour before measuring. This incorporation of air can elevate your Giant Sugar Cookies to fluffy perfection.
Customize Flavor: Don’t hesitate to explore extracts! Swapping almond extract for lemon or maple can give your cookies a delightful twist that suits your festive spirit.
Giant Sugar Cookies: Sweet Variations Await
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful cookies to suit your palate!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie.
- Citrus Twist: Swap almond extract for lemon or orange extract to brighten the flavor with zesty freshness.
- Choco-Lover: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for a gooey, chocolatey explosion in every bite.
- Fruity Addition: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or cherries to introduce a chewy, sweet surprise within.
- Spiced Flavor: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke warm, cozy feelings starting with the first bite.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same tenderness without the gluten.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Go wild with festive sprinkles or colored sugar for a vibrant visual appeal that captivates at any gathering.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or margarine for a deliciously dairy-free treat without compromising taste.
Let these variations spark your imagination as you create personalized treats that your family and friends will adore! For even more flavor ideas, check out my beloved sugar cookie variations to add a twist to your cookie adventures!
Make Ahead Options
These Giant Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until Step 6, then cover the dough tightly and refrigerate. This not only lets the flavors meld but also ensures your cookies remain just as delicious when baked. When ready to bake, preheat your oven and scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets, then proceed with Steps 7 to 9 to enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies. If you want to prepare the cookies even earlier, you can freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months; just bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for effortlessly sweet treats whenever you need them!
Storage Tips for Giant Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: To extend freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow cookies to cool completely before sealing.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they stay gooey and delicious.
What to Serve with Giant Sugar Cookies
Indulge your senses with perfect complements that enhance the joy of baking and enjoying giant sugar cookies.
- Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie's sweetness while providing a creamy, refreshing contrast.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Provides a luxurious, warm beverage that pairs exceptionally well with the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Fragrant Coffee: The bitterness of coffee beautifully balances out the sugariness of the cookies, making for a delightful morning treat.
- Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add a variety of textures to dessert time; the oats and raisins bring warmth and nostalgia to your cookie platter.
- Festive Fruit Salad: Fresh, colorful fruits offer a burst of freshness, counterbalancing the richness of the cookies beautifully.
- Decadent Ice Cream Sundae: Imagine melting a scoop of your favorite flavor on top of a warm giant sugar cookie—pure bliss!
- Golden Apple Cider: For a seasonal touch, serve with warm apple cider, whose spices pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The strawberries add a fruity freshness while chocolate enriches the flavor palette; a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
- Mini Cupcakes: Brighten up your cookie spread with these bite-sized treats; their variety in flavor and color adds visual appeal and excitement to dessert.
- Warm Spiced Chai Tea: Perfect for cozy moments, the spiced aroma and warmth of chai tea elevate the cookie experience, making it extraordinarily comforting.
Giant Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour should I use for Giant Sugar Cookies?
You should use all-purpose flour for structure and the best texture. However, if you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute for the best results.
How should I store leftover Giant Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. If you want them to last longer, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Giant Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze both unbaked dough and baked cookies. For unbaked dough, scoop and roll the balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container where they can last up to 3 months. For baked cookies, ensure they are completely cool before sealing them in an airtight container for the same duration.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To avoid excessive spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking. If you notice your cookies are spreading too much, try refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping. This helps firm up the butter, resulting in thicker cookies.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Certainly! If you or your loved ones have allergies, be cautious with the almond extract, as it can trigger nut allergies. You can choose to omit it entirely or substitute with other extracts like vanilla or maple for a delicious alternative. Also, if you're making these for kids or pets, keep the sprinkles away since they may contain ingredients unsuitable for them.
What if my cookies turn out too hard?
If you find your cookies are hard, it may be due to over-baking or over-mixing the dough. To troubleshoot, make sure to watch the baking time closely and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and the centers are still soft. If using a mixer, mix just until combined, allowing for a tender, chewy texture in the final cookie.
Giant Sugar Cookies: The Softest, Most Indulgent Treat Ever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture, blending until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Scoop out the dough using a ¼ cup measuring tool and roll into balls, placing them on the lined baking sheets spaced about 3 inches apart.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly and sprinkle with colorful sugar or festive sprinkles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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