How to Make Sugar Biscuits

Sugar biscuits are a traditional treat in Great Britain, but to Americans, the crunchy, sweet treats are commonly known as cookies. They can be cut into standard circles or into various shapes according to the season. Make ghost or pumpkin cookies for Halloween, bunnies for Easter, or trees and Santas for Christmas.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup extra fine sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Slivered almonds, colored sugar or candy sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, nutmeg, baking powder and baking soda in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until blended.

2. Put the softened butter, extra fine sugar and pure vanilla extract in a separate bowl, and cream them until fluffy and light with a mixer set on medium-high speed. Add the egg and mix well.

3. Add a small amount of the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, and stir it thoroughly it with a wooden spoon. Add a small amount of milk as you continue to stir. Continue alternating dry ingredients and milk, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition, until the mixture forms a soft dough.

4. Remove the ball of dough and wrap it in a large piece of plastic wrap. Chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, or up to 12 hours.

5. Place the biscuit dough on a surface that has been lightly floured and roll it to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into circular shapes with the top of a glass or a biscuit cutter, or into various shapes with cookie cutters.

6. Place the sugar biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet and sprinkle them with slivered almonds, candy sprinkles or colored sugar, if desired. Bake the sugar biscuits until they turn golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.

7. Remove the sugar biscuits from the oven, and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to continue cooling.