10 Easy Upgrades for Sensational Sugar Cookies
Baking sugar cookies is like starting with a blank canvas: the possibilities are simply delicious. If you’re ready to jazz up the classic sugar cookie, here are ten easy upgrades that will take your cookies from basic to brilliant.
1. Nutty by Nature
Go nuts with almonds, walnuts, or pecans! Chop them finely and mix into your dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
2. Zest Fest
Add some zing to your dough with lemon, lime, or orange zest. This tiny tweak adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
3. Spice It Up
Why keep it simple when you can spice it up? Throw in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for cookies that smell as good as they taste.
4. Chocolate Chips
Who says chocolate chips are only for chocolate chip cookies? Throw some in to your sugar cookie dough for a chocolate twist on an old favorite. White chocolate chips are an especially elegant and delicious addition to sugar cookies.
5. Dip and Drizzle
Post-bake, dip half your cookie in melted chocolate and let it harden. For extra pizzazz, drizzle another type of chocolate in a crisscross pattern.
6. Candy Crush
After you roll out your sugar cookie dough, press your favorite candy pieces into the top of each cookie before baking. Whether it’s crushed peppermint candies or colorful M&Ms, it’s a surefire way to sweeten the deal.
7. Sandwich Style
Slather a dollop of buttercream or chocolate ganache between two cookies. Congratulations, you’ve now entered the double decker dome of deliciousness.
8. Fruity Tooty
Mix in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a chewy texture and a tart kick.
9. Coffee Kick
Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to your dough for a subtle coffee flavor that’ll wake up more than just your taste buds. Perfect for those who believe in dessert before, during, and after coffee.
10. Sesame Swagger
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before baking for a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. It’s unexpected, it’s savory, and it’s about to be your cookie signature.
Armed with these upgrades, you’re not just baking cookies—you’re crafting masterpieces. So, preheat that oven and let’s bake a batch that proves life is too short for ordinary cookies. Happy baking!