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### 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.
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