Sugar cookies

6 min
hard
7 ingredients

Sugar cookies

Powdered sugar cookies are an irresistible classic that has been passed down from generation to generation in many Latin American countries. Originating from European traditions, these cookies are characterized by their soft texture and delicate sweet flavor, covered with powdered sugar that gives them a special finish. In different Latin American countries, they go by various names, although the main ingredient and their basic shape usually remain similar. In Mexico, they are commonly known as "butter cookies with powdered sugar," while in countries like Argentina or Chile, they may simply be called "sweet cookies" or "sugar cookies." These cookies have become a symbol of celebrations and special occasions, enjoyed at both family gatherings and children's parties, thanks to their versatility for decorating and pairing with different flavors.

Their origin dates back to European recipes where butter was the star in baking. The innovation of coating them with powdered sugar helps preserve their softness and gives them a slightly crunchy texture on the outside. Over time, each region has adapted the recipe by adding its own ingredients or techniques, which has further enriched the tradition of this simple but delicious preparation.

How to Make Powdered Sugar Cookies

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar.

Beat until light.

Add the egg and vanilla.

Beat until fluffy.

Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.

Stir only until mixed.

Refrigerate the dough to make it easier to handle.

Roll out, cut into desired shapes, and bake for 6 minutes at 350 °F (175 °C) on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Cool, glaze, and decorate to your liking to give it a personal touch.

Variations: Brush the raw shapes with egg white and decorate with sprinkles, then bake.

Add 1 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunchy texture.

Form 1-inch dough balls and bake, then cool and toss the cookies in a paper bag with powdered sugar to coat them.

Form 1-inch dough balls, bake, cool, and toss in a paper bag with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to coat them.

Add 1 cup of candied fruit to the dough, form 1-inch balls, bake, and cool for a fruity and colorful flavor.

Divide the dough into two parts, color each one, and use it as a base for pinwheel or checkerboard cookies, creating fun and original designs.

Sugar cookies

Ingredients (7)

  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Cream of tartar

Instructions (20 steps)

  1. 1 In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar
  2. 2 Beat until light
  3. 3 Add the egg and vanilla
  4. 4 Beat until fluffy
  5. 5 Add the dry ingredients
  6. 6 Stir just until combined
  7. 7 Refrigerate
  8. 8 Roll, cut, and bake for 6 minutes at 350 on an ungreased cookie sheet
  9. 9 Cool, frost, and decorate
  10. 10 Variations: Brush the raw shapes with egg white and decorate with sprinkles, then bake
  11. 11 Add 1 cup of chopped nuts
  12. 12 Form 1-inch balls
  13. 13 Bake, cool, and shake in a paper bag with powdered sugar to coat
  14. 14 Form 1-inch dough balls
  15. 15 Bake, cool, and shake in a paper bag with a cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat
  16. 16 Add 1 cup of candied fruit to the dough
  17. 17 Form 1-inch balls
  18. 18 Bake and cool
  19. 19 Divide the dough into two parts
  20. 20 Color the dough and use it as a base for snail cookies or checkerboard cookies

Nutritional Information

Calories: 59 kcal
Protein: 1%
Carbohydrates: 2%
Fat: 4%
Sugar: 11%
Sodium: 1%

Percent Daily Value for nutrients; calories are shown in kcal.

Category