Making whole wheat sugar cookies is a healthier alternative to traditional sugar cookies, as it incorporates whole wheat flour, which adds fiber and nutrients. Here's a simple recipe for whole wheat sugar cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined with the butter-sugar mixture.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed or use a spatula to combine until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the dough (optional): For easier handling, you can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is optional but can help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll.
Roll and cut the cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness (typically around 1/4 inch). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies: Bake the whole wheat sugar cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies.
Cool and store: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Feel free to decorate the whole wheat sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, or any other toppings of your choice, or enjoy them as is for a healthier treat.