These Cracked Sugar Cookies are a delicious classic with a beautiful cracked surface that gives them an eye-catching texture. Crisp around the edges and soft in the center, they’re sweet, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and enjoyable for all ages, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Sweet, Crisp, and Perfectly Textured
The recipe creates a dough that bakes up into cookies with a soft center and a lightly crispy exterior. Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a delightful sparkle and gives these cookies their signature cracked appearance.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes per batch
- Serving: About 24-30 cookies
- Equipment: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, wire racks
Cracked Sugar Cookies Recipe:
Here’s how to make these classic cracked sugar cookies that are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional sugar for rolling
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat completely. This step gives the cookies their sweet, crackled appearance when baked.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and have a cracked surface. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Cookies
These Cracked Sugar Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, parties, or a cozy treat at home. With their soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, they’re an irresistible cookie that’s both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy the simplicity and timeless appeal of these classic cookies!
