Puff Pastry Sugar Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that combines the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry with the sweet, crunchy finish of sugar cookies. These cookies are quick to make with just a few ingredients and are perfect for any occasion. Here’s a recipe for Puff Pastry Sugar Cookies:
Puff Pastry Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the puff pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out any creases, making it about 1/8-inch thick. You can also roll it into a rectangle or square, depending on your preference.
3. Brush with butter:
- Brush the surface of the puff pastry with melted butter. This will help the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the dough, and it also gives the cookies a golden, crispy finish.
4. Add sugar and cinnamon:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered surface of the puff pastry. You can also sprinkle a little pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
5. Cut and shape the cookies:
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into strips (about 1-inch wide) or into square or rectangular shapes. If you want a more traditional sugar cookie look, you can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, but strips work wonderfully too!
6. Fold the pastry (optional):
- For a little extra texture and a more decorative look, you can fold the pastry strips into a “twist” shape or simply lay the strips flat on the baking sheet. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
7. Bake the cookies:
- Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced out. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool and serve:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. While they are still warm, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for added crunch and sweetness. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- Variation: You can add a drizzle of icing (made with powdered sugar and a little milk or vanilla extract) over the cooled cookies for a more decadent treat.
- Flavor: Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the puff pastry cookies ahead of time by freezing the cut dough (before baking). When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- For a more “cookie-like” texture: After baking, you can press the cookies down slightly with a spatula while they are still warm to give them a flatter shape.
These Puff Pastry Sugar Cookies are light, crispy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion!