No Butter Sugar Cookies
There’s nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies to brighten your day. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for No Butter Sugar Cookies that are just as sweet and satisfying as their buttery counterparts. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they come together quickly and easily with minimal fuss. Whether you’re looking for a treat for a party or simply a sweet snack for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re a fan of cookies but want to try something a little different, these No Butter Sugar Cookies are just what you need. They offer a unique twist on classic sugar cookies, using Oleico Safflower Oil instead of butter, resulting in a lighter texture and a subtly rich flavor. They are perfect for decorating with fun toppings, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they are so versatile; you can enjoy them plain or jazz them up with colorful toppings for special occasions.
What’s in the Bowl
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies so special:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided; 1 cup for dough, ¼ cup for rolling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Oleico Safflower Oil
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional coatings: Colored sanding sugar, multi-colored jimmies, or nonpareils sprinkles
Cook’s Kit
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our tools:
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for combining wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly.
- Cookie scoop: For evenly portioning out the dough.
- Rolling pin: If you decide to roll out the cookie dough for cutouts.
- Oven thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
No Butter Sugar Cookies Cooking Guide
Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to bake! Follow these simple steps for perfect No Butter Sugar Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Oleico Safflower Oil and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, rolling each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Add Toppings
If you’re using optional coatings like colored sanding sugar or sprinkles, add them now by gently pressing them into the tops of the cookie dough balls.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious No Butter Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Swap Guide
If you’re looking to make some substitutions or modifications, here are some ideas:
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Safflower Oil: Can be replaced with canola oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs: To make these cookies egg-free, try using flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute.
- Sweeteners: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a granulated sweetener of your choice for a lower glycemic index.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
Creating the perfect No Butter Sugar Cookies is as much about technique as it is about the ingredients. Here are a few tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your egg and egg yolk are at room temperature for better emulsification in the batter.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Experiment with different toppings to make these cookies your own. Try a mix of sprinkles for a fun, festive look!
- For a unique flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These No Butter Sugar Cookies are perfect for making ahead of time! Here are some storage tips:
- Unbaked cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a container once solid.
- To keep cookies extra fresh, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; it helps to maintain moisture.
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Oleico Safflower Oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work beautifully in this recipe.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, which in turn helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Use colored sanding sugar, sprinkles, or even royal icing to give them a festive flair for holidays or special occasions.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Once you’ve mastered these No Butter Sugar Cookies, why not try your hand at these delightful recipes?
In Closing
Baking is a wonderful way to express creativity, and these No Butter Sugar Cookies are a perfect canvas for your imagination. Whether you choose to keep them classic or adorn them with festive toppings, these cookies will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of baking and the sweet rewards that follow!
No Butter Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Oleico Safflower Oil and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Blend until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, rolling each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Add optional coatings by gently pressing them into the tops of the cookie dough balls.
- Step 8: Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure your egg and egg yolk are at room temperature for better emulsification in the batter.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Experiment with different toppings to make these cookies your own.
