Clara Bennett – Page 18 – tasteandtome.com

Funny coincidence: you probably already have butter on your counter and sugar in the jar, so you’re closer to baking something extraordinary than you think. You’ll smell caramelizing edges, feel dough that’s tender or snap-worthy, and learn which techniques give you pillowy centers or crisp snap. I’ll guide you through ten definitive sugar cookie variations—classic to unexpected—so you can pick the perfect recipe for the moment and bake with confident, precise results. Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Light, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy. Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed) Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional) How to Make: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. If the dough feels too stiff, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk to reach a scoopable but soft consistency. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and optionally roll each ball in extra granulated sugar. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten each to about 1/2-inch thick. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these soft, chewy sugar cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink! Old-Fashioned Crispy Roll-Out Sugar Cookies Old-Fashioned Crispy Roll-Out Sugar Cookies — classic, thin, and perfectly crisp for decorating or snacking. Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed) Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating How to Make: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, beating just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together; add the tablespoon of milk if the dough feels too stiff. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness for crisp cookies. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. If decorating before baking, sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles now. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with icing if desired and enjoy. These old-fashioned crispy sugar cookies are perfect for decorating or dunking — enjoy every crunchy bite! Vegan Almond Vanilla Sugar Cookies Light, buttery-feeling vegan almond-vanilla sugar cookies — crispy at the edges, tender inside. Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100 g) organic cane sugar (or all granulated sugar) 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or light olive oil) 1/2 cup (120 g) vegan butter, softened (or all oil if preferred) 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened almond milk 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (helps the cookies lift) Optional: extra granulated sugar for rolling, and sliced almonds for topping How to Make: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and oil with both sugars until smooth and slightly fluffy. Stir in the almond milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and apple cider vinegar until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms; don’t overmix. Scoop or roll tablespoons of dough into balls and gently roll them in extra granulated sugar if using. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. If desired, press a sliced almond into the center of each cookie for decoration. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these almond-vanilla vegan sugar cookies with a cup of tea or a big smile! Gluten-Free Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies Bright, zesty gluten-free lemon sugar cookies that stay soft and full of flavor. Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1, with xanthan gum) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tablespoon) 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2–3 tablespoons coarse sugar or extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture; mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms; scrape the bowl as needed. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls; if desired, roll each ball in coarse sugar. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart and gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about 1/4–1/2 inch thickness. Bake for 9–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Enjoy the bright lemony goodness — perfect with tea or a sunny snack break! Browned-Butter Caramelized Sugar Cookies Browned-Butter Caramelized Sugar Cookies — nutty, crisp edges with a chewy caramel center. Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed Additional granulated sugar for rolling (about 1/4 cup) How to Make: Brown the butter: melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until foam subsides and small brown bits form and smell nutty, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cool 10 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the brown sugar into the warm browned butter until mostly dissolved. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and mix until combined. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix. Chill the dough in the fridge 30 minutes to firm up for easier scooping. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon balls, roll each lightly in the reserved granulated sugar to coat, and place 2 inches apart on sheets. Bake 9–12 minutes, until edges are set and bottoms are golden brown but centers still soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or let them cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days — these nutty, caramel-kissed cookies disappear fast! Spritz-Style Pressed Sugar Cookies Spritz-Style Pressed Sugar Cookies — buttery, crisp, and patterned for pretty finishing. Ingredients: 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but classic) 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt How to Make: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms — it should hold its shape but still be pliable. Fit a cookie press with your desired disk, fill the press with dough, and press cookies directly onto the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. If you like, sprinkle a little colored sugar or nonpareils on top right after pressing. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden; centers should stay pale. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these crisp, decorative cookies with a cup of tea or milk — perfect for sharing! Thick and Pillowy Buttermilk Sugar Cookies Thick, pillowy buttermilk sugar cookies — soft centers, slightly crisp edges, perfect for decorating or eating plain. Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup (80 ml) buttermilk, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: extra granulated sugar for rolling or sanding sugar for sparkle How to Make: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla; beat until combined. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk: add a third of the flour, mix, add half the buttermilk, mix, repeat, ending with flour. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix. Scoop dough into about 2-tablespoon (or 1.5-inch) balls. Roll each ball in extra sugar if using. Place dough balls on prepared sheets 2 inches apart; gently flatten each ball to about 1/2–3/4 inch thick for a thick cookie. Bake 8–11 minutes, until edges are set and just starting to turn golden; centers may look slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or cooled — soft, thick, and totally irresistible. Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies With Cinnamon Glaze Maple Pecan Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze — sweet maple, toasty pecans, and a warm cinnamon finish in every bite. Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 large egg 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted Optional: extra sugar or crushed pecans for rolling Cinnamon Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 2–3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired thickness) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of salt How to Make: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 3–4 minutes until fragrant; let cool and chop. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg, maple syrup, and vanilla; beat until combined. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in toasted pecans. Scoop dough into about 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls; optionally roll in extra sugar or crushed pecans. Place balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets and gently flatten slightly with your palm. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft; don’t overbake. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable; adjust milk for thickness. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies and let set for 15–20 minutes. Enjoy these cozy maple-pecan sugar cookies with a cup of coffee or a warm blanket—pure autumn comfort in every bite. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Sugar Cookies Bright, zesty sugar cookies dipped in dark chocolate for a citrusy-crisp treat. Ingredients: 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate (or chocolate chips) 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate) Extra orange zest or sprinkles for garnish (optional) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice until combined. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm so they’re about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. Bake for 9–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden; let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Melt the dark chocolate (with the optional oil) in a microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between, or use a double boiler until smooth. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, and place back on parchment. Sprinkle with extra orange zest or sprinkles if desired, and allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Serve and enjoy the bright, chocolatey crunch of these chocolate-dipped orange sugar cookies! Enjoy—they’re perfect with tea, coffee, or a little indulgent snack break. Tahini-Honey Mediterranean Sugar Cookies Tahini-Honey Mediterranean Sugar Cookies — nutty, sweet, and a little bit exotic in every bite. Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (160 g) tahini (well-stirred) 1/2 cup (120 g) honey 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness) Sesame seeds or flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, tahini, honey, and sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in the salt, baking powder, and lemon zest (if using). Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds or a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these tahini-honey cookies with tea or coffee — they’re little Mediterranean hugs in cookie form!