Sugar Cookie from Insomnia Cookies features soft, chewy dough infused with sweet vanilla and a generous coating of sparkling sugar crystals, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth treat with a classic buttery flavor and a lightly crisp edge.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) sparkling or coarse sugar (for coating)
Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the granulated sugar, which contributes to the cookie's tender texture and sweetness. Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to achieve the desired rise and slight crispness on the edges. Incorporating high-quality vanilla extract enhances the classic buttery flavor that defines this cookie. The sparkling or coarse sugar coating adds a characteristic shimmer and subtle crunch, so don't substitute it with fine sugar. Your Sugar Cookie copycat will closely mimic Insomnia Cookies by following these ingredient choices and measurements precisely.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into balls.
- Roll each dough ball in sparkling or coarse sugar to coat.
- Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Substitution
Sugar Cookie from Insomnia Cookies copycat recipe replicates the soft, chewy texture with a rich vanilla flavor and a sparkling sugar coating for a delightful finish. If you don't have sparkling sugar, coarse sanding sugar or turbinado sugar can be used to maintain the signature crunch. You can substitute unsalted butter with salted butter but reduce added salt slightly to balance flavors. When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies. Baking time and oven temperature may vary, so keep an eye on your cookies to achieve that perfect lightly crisp edge.
Tips
Ensure your unsalted butter is fully softened to room temperature for proper creaming, which creates the cookie's soft and chewy texture. When mixing dry and wet ingredients, combine just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies. Use sparkling sugar generously for coating to achieve the signature crisp edge and sparkle of Insomnia Cookies' sugar cookies. Your cookie dough balls should be spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to prevent spreading and sticking together during baking.
Nutritions
Sugar Cookies from Insomnia Cookies provide a rich source of energy primarily from unsalted butter and granulated sugar, with about 200 calories per cookie depending on size. The recipe includes 1 cup of butter, which contributes significant saturated fats and essential fat-soluble vitamins like A and D. With 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, the cookies contain carbohydrates that fuel your body, while the egg provides a modest amount of protein and essential nutrients. Your enjoyment of this classic treat should be balanced with mindful portion control given its high sugar and fat content.
Storage
Store your Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft and chewy texture. For longer freshness, place a slice of bread inside the container to help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the cookies to become hard and lose their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar to add moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookie. For a different twist on the coating, try dipping the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of sparkling sugar to impart a warm, spiced crunch. Baking the cookies for a minute less will yield softer centers, while a minute longer will give you crispier edges without sacrificing chewiness.
Allergies
Sugar Cookies from Insomnia Cookies contain common allergens such as eggs and unsalted butter, which is derived from milk, making them unsuitable for individuals with egg or dairy allergies. The all-purpose flour may contain gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have any food sensitivities, your safety is paramount, so carefully review ingredient lists before enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
Insomnia Cookies' Sugar Cookie menu is beloved for its soft, chewy texture combined with a rich, buttery flavor that perfectly balances sweetness and vanilla notes. The cookies often feature a delicate sugar coating, enhancing their melt-in-your-mouth experience and satisfying a broad range of tastes. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic treat fresh at home, ensuring warm, customizable cookies tailored to your preference. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic, bakery-quality delight without needing to visit the store.