Soft Kefir Sugar Cookies

Instructions to Make Soft Kefir Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate, large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to achieving soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg, Kefir, and Vanilla

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and kefir to the butter-sugar mixture. If you’re using lemon zest, add it in at this stage. Mix everything together until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in denser cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each ball of dough in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat them lightly. If you prefer slightly thicker cookies, you can gently flatten them with the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake them!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Soft Kefir Sugar Cookies

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tougher cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Chill the dough (optional): If you prefer a slightly thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape as they bake.
• Flavor variations: While this recipe is already delicious, feel free to add your own twist! You can mix in a handful of chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies at the 8-minute mark. The cookies should still look soft in the center, but the edges should be set.

Health Benefits of Kefir in Your Cookies

Kefir isn’t just a tasty addition to your baking—it’s also full of health benefits. As a fermented dairy product, kefir is rich in probiotics, which can help support digestive health and immunity. It also contains calcium, which is important for strong bones, and vitamin B12, which is vital for energy production. By incorporating kefir into your cookies, you’re adding a nutritious twist to this classic treat.

Why These Soft Kefir Sugar Cookies are a Winner

These Soft Kefir Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and tangy. The kefir not only enhances the texture but adds a unique flavor that makes these cookies stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as an afternoon snack, or just because you want a treat that’s a little different, these cookies are sure to please.

Plus, they’re quick to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal choice for when you need a simple yet delightful dessert. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find yourself baking these cookies again and again.