Whipping Up Sanity-Saving Sugar Cookies
Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about whipping up some sanity-saving Sugar Cookies for our families. I know, I know – the holidays can feel like a nutrition free-for-all, but trust me, these Sugar Cookies can be a part of the fun without derailing all your hard work.
I remember the first time I attempted Sugar Cookies with my kiddos. It was right after Thanksgiving, and the sugar cravings were REAL. We were all feeling a bit sluggish. I wanted to make something festive, but I also knew I couldn’t handle a total sugar bomb. So, I set out to create a Sugar Cookies recipe that was both delicious and a little bit nourishing.
The kids were SO excited to decorate. I snuck in some whole wheat flour, reduced the sugar a tad, and even added a touch of applesauce for extra moisture and vitamins. The best part? They didn’t even notice! These Sugar Cookies became a Dinnertime nutrition win!
What surprised me most was how much fun we had. It wasn’t just about the cookies; it was about the memories we were creating. My family loves to decorate the Christmas cookies together, they can spend hours making them!
And that’s what I want for you, fellow nutrition-seekers! A way to enjoy the holidays, nourish your family, and make lasting memories – all without the overwhelm. Let’s make it happen with this Easy sugar cookie recipe!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious Sugar Cookies. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – I’ll share some easy swaps to boost the nutrition! Remember, this Sugar Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 1/4 cups all-purpose and 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour) This Sugar Cookies proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, and you can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
If you don’t have vanilla extract, a touch of maple syrup works wonders in these Sugar Cookies, adding a warm sweetness. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough. No one even notices, and it adds a boost of Omega-3s! This Sugar Cookies nutrition hack changed our family’s health.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, this Easy sugar cookie recipe is super simple.
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just fine too!
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Your Sugar Cookies should smell nourishing by now.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually Add to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Sugar Cookies – learn from my experience!
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Roll and Cut Out: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your Christmas cookies into desired shapes.
- Bake: Place the Cut out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Sugar Cookies usually takes about 9 minutes.
- Cool: Let the Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Royal Icing: While the Sugar Cookies are cooling, prepare the Royal icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired.
- Decorate: Once the Sugar Cookies are completely cool, decorate with the royal icing. Get creative! Let the kids have fun with it! This Cookie decorating is also a fun way to bring family together.
While your Sugar Cookies is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! I know that’s why I love baking with my family! It provides us a great time to reconnect!
How We Love to Eat This!
My family absolutely devours these Sugar Cookies, especially when I serve them with a side of fresh fruit. The kids devour this nutritious Sugar Cookies when I serve it with a glass of milk. Sliced apples or berries offer a bit of extra nutrition to balance out the sweetness. These Cut out cookies are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
These Sugar Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, school parties, or just a fun weekend activity. I love to package them up in cute little bags and give them as gifts. For a festive touch, sprinkle the Christmas cookies with some edible glitter before the icing sets.
Leftover Sugar Cookies? If you have any (which is rare in my house!), crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a fun and festive breakfast. You can also chop them up and mix them into ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
I’ve also experimented with different seasonal variations of these Sugar Cookies. In the fall, I add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough. In the summer, I add a touch of lemon zest. My family gets extra nutrition with I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough, my kids love that!
Whenever I take these Easy sugar cookie recipe to a potluck or a friend gathering I always get compliments. I love sharing simple nutrition that tastes good!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I get it, you’re busy! Here are some common questions I hear about these Sugar Cookies:
Q: Is this Sugar Cookies really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! While they are still a treat, this recipe uses less sugar than many traditional recipes. Plus, the option to add whole wheat flour and flaxseed meal adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Sugar Cookies?
Start small! Let them help with the decorating. Kids are often more willing to try things they’ve helped create. You can also cut the cookies into fun shapes or use their favorite colors for the icing.
Q: Can I meal prep this Sugar Cookies for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Then, just thaw and decorate when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I make these Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just be sure to follow the package instructions.
Q: How can I make the Royal icing dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk.
Q: What’s the best way to store these Sugar Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the Sugar Cookies dough?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other extracts, such as almond extract or peppermint extract. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is a must! If you do not chill the dough you will not get the Christmas cookies to hold the shape of the cookie cutter you use. Chilling the dough helps the Sugar Cookies hold its shape when baking.
Final Thoughts:
I truly hope this Sugar Cookies recipe brings some joy and nourishment to your family this holiday season.
My Sugar Cookies Nutrition Hacks:
- Sneak in the Fiber: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a boost of fiber.
- Reduce the Sugar: Cut back on the sugar by a tablespoon or two – you won’t even notice the difference!
- Add Some Good Fats: Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough for extra Omega-3s.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Sugar Cookies variations:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. My son loves this version!
- Cinnamon Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting spice. My daughter prefers this one!
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a touch of chocolatey goodness. My husband is all about this one!
Remember, the goal is to make these Easy sugar cookie recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a Sugar Cookies that your family will love. I am sure that these Cut out cookies will be a total win in your home!
If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Halloween Crinkle Cookies.
For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
You can find another great version of these Sugar Cookies here: Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe – JoyFoodSunshine
I’m sending you all my best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season! May your kitchens be filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious Sugar Cookies!
And don’t forget to check out Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Icing!) – Sugar Spun Run for another great recipe! And find inspiration here too: Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing – Sally’s Baking
This nutritious Sugar Cookies reminds me of another family-healthy favorite: Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! Soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery sweetness, they’re easy to make and even easier to decorate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate as desired!
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of almond extract to the dough. Get creative with sprinkles and frosting for a festive touch!