Copycat Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies Recipe

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I’ll walk you through a simple, delicious recipe inspired by Trader Joe’s sugar cookies, so you can enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth perfection straight out of your own oven.

How to make Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies

Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies are a sweet baked treat sold by Trader Joe’s, usually in the form of ready-to-bake cookie dough or seasonal pre-shaped cookies.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Decorating (Optional):

• Granulated sugar or colored sprinkles (for rolling)
• Royal icing or ready-made frosting (for decorating, if desired)

Instructions:

1. Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients and ensure your butter is softened; this is key for achieving that smooth, creamy texture.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer (or by hand) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix—this can make your cookies dense.

5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

6. Roll and Shape: After chilling, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). If you’re feeling creative, use cookie cutters to press out fun shapes! Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or sprinkles for that classic shine and crunch.

7. Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Perfect Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies:

• Butter Matters: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for a rich, creamy flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the dough is crucial for achieving soft centers and crisp edges.
• Customize Shapes: Experiment with cookie cutters to create festive designs for holidays or special occasions.
• Avoid Overbaking: Sugar cookies should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out of the oven—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Decorating Fun: Use royal icing, melted chocolate, or colorful sprinkles to give your cookies a personal touch.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary treats and beverages can elevate your dessert spread to the next level.

• Hot Chocolate: Nothing pairs better with chewy Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies than a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate. You can sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch or add whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.
• Coffee or Latte: For a sophisticated pairing, serve Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies alongside freshly brewed coffee or lattes. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweet, buttery flavor of the cookies perfectly. Bonus points if you top your latte with festive cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of cookies and milk! Opt for a tall glass of chilled whole milk for creaminess or almond milk for a nutty twist. This combo is both nostalgic and satisfying.
• Tea: Sugar cookies go beautifully with lightly sweetened or floral teas, such as Earl Grey, chamomile, or a warm chai latte. If you’re entertaining, set up a tea station with loose-leaf options and let guests choose their favorite.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand, or dietary needs require you to make adjustments. Don’t worry—baking is all about creativity (and science), and there are plenty of substitutes that will still deliver soft, delicious sugar cookies inspired by Trader Joe’s.

1. Butter Substitutes

Butter is one of the most important ingredients, as it gives sugar cookies their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. However, there are great alternatives if you don’t have butter or want a dairy-free option.

Substitutes:

• Vegan Butter: A one-to-one substitute (e.g., Earth Balance or Miyoko’s). Make sure to use stick versions, as spreads can alter the consistency.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute softened (not melted) coconut oil in an equal amount. Keep in mind this will give the cookies a slight coconut flavor.
• Margarine: Use unsalted margarine for a dairy-free option, keeping the measurement the same.
• Applesauce: Use ½ cup applesauce per 1 cup of butter; this will reduce the fat content but will create a softer, more cake-like texture.

2. Granulated Sugar Substitutes

Sugar not only sweetens cookies but also aids in structure and texture. While granulated sugar is ideal, here are alternatives if you need to make a swap.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor but may slightly darken the cookies.
• Raw Sugar or Turbinado Sugar: These work in equal amounts but may add a bit of crunch due to their coarse texture.
• Powdered Sugar: If you’re in a pinch, use powdered sugar but reduce the quantity (¾ cup powdered sugar for every 1 cup of granulated sugar). This produces a finer texture.
• Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave Nectar: Replace each cup of granulated sugar with ¾ cup liquid sweetener and reduce any other liquids in your recipe by 2 tablespoons. These will result in chewier cookies.

3. Egg Substitutes

Eggs provide structure and moisture. If you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, there are several substitutes that can work in sugar cookie recipes.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This works well as a binder.
• Chia Seed Egg: Similar to the flaxseed egg, combine 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons water.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. This adds moisture but may create softer, more cake-like cookies.
• Mashed Banana: Use ¼ cup mashed banana per egg for moisture and sweetness. Be aware that this will add a slight banana flavour to your cookies.
• Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu until smooth for a neutral, high-protein alternative.
• Commercial Egg Replacers: Products like Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or Ener-G Egg Replacer work as great 1:1 swaps.

4. All-Purpose Flour Substitutes

Flour provides the structure and base for sugar cookies. If you need a gluten-free or healthier option, here are alternatives:

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) for a gluten-free option.
• Almond Flour: Use almond flour for a grain-free version, but note that you may need to adjust the wet ingredients for proper texture.
• Oat Flour: Replace with 1 ⅓ cups oat flour per 1 cup of all-purpose flour. It will yield a slightly nuttier taste.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add nuttiness and fiber without significantly altering the texture.
• Coconut Flour: Use cautiously as it absorbs a lot of moisture—substitute ⅓ cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and increase the moisture (e.g., eggs or milk).

5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of sugar cookies. If you don’t have it on hand, opt for one of these substitutes.

Substitutes:

• Almond Extract: Use ½ teaspoon of almond extract instead of 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Almond extract has a stronger flavor, so use sparingly.
• Maple Syrup: Use 1½ teaspoons of pure maple syrup for a natural vanilla alternative.
• Honey or Agave Nectar: Use 1½ teaspoons as a substitute for vanilla. These will add sweetness and a subtle floral note.
• Rum or Bourbon: Use 1 teaspoon for a rich, warm flavor profile.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Powder: Use an equal amount to replicate the strong flavor of vanilla extract.

6. Baking Powder Substitutes

Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them their perfect, slightly puffy texture.

Substitutes:

• Baking Soda + Acid: Combine ¼ teaspoon baking soda with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder needed.
• Buttermilk: Replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ cup of buttermilk.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Use ¼ cup yogurt or sour cream with ¼ teaspoon baking soda.

7. Salt Substitutes

Salt enhances the flavor of sugar cookies but can be substituted if need be.

Substitutes:

• Kosher Salt: Use slightly more kosher salt if replacing table salt (1½ teaspoons kosher salt per 1 teaspoon table salt).
• Sea Salt: Substitute in the same amount as table salt, but it may provide a slightly different texture.
• Herb Salt or Flavoured Salt: Use sparingly to add a gourmet twist.

Final Thoughts

This Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies recipe balances the buttery smoothness and sugary sweetness you’d find in Trader Joe’s own treats while giving you endless room to personalize.

More Cookies Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Cookie Dough Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies Recipe
• Homemade Reese’s Star Crunch Recipe
• Homemade Little Debbie Star Crunch Recipe