how to make sugar cookies without stand mixer

When it comes to baking, sugar cookies have always been a delightful treat. Its soft, buttery texture, with a hint of sweetness, makes it a favorite among children and adults alike. While many recipes suggest using a stand mixer to achieve the perfect consistency, don’t worry if you don’t have one! Here, we explore the art of making sugar cookies without a stand mixer, proving that all you need is a little patience, a little love, and a good old fashioned hand mixer.

Prepare the ingredients:
Before delving into the process of making sugar cookies without a stand mixer, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients beforehand. Mix together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. While mixing the dough by hand may require a bit more effort, the results are certainly worth it.

Mixing ingredients:
First, sift all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a medium bowl. Set it aside for later use. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. It may take longer with a hand mixer, but keep beating until the mixture is smooth.

Once the butter and sugar are combined, beat the eggs into the mixture until just combined. Add vanilla extract and mix again to create a fragrant, creamy base for our sugar cookies. Add small amounts at a time, gradually adding dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Eventually, the dough will become thick and sticky.

Knead the dough:
At this stage, you can no longer rely on the mixer to do this work for you. Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface to prevent sticking and pour the sticky dough on top. Dust your hands well with flour so they don’t stick. Start kneading the dough, pressing and folding the dough with the heel of your palm. Continue this process until the dough is no longer sticky and forms a smooth ball.

Shaping and baking:
Now comes the fun part – shaping your sugar cookies! Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, then use a cookie cutter to create your desired shape. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow it to spread while baking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Making sugar cookies without a stand mixer may take a bit more effort, but the satisfaction of making these delicious treats from scratch is priceless. By following these steps and harnessing the power of a hand mixer, you can still achieve the perfect texture and flavor that sugar cookies are known for. So roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy the delightful process of making homemade sugar cookies without a stand mixer!