Soft sugar cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their tender texture and buttery sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles to suit holidays, parties, or just a casual afternoon treat.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly soft and fluffy:ย These cookies practically melt in your mouth.
- Customizable:ย Add sprinkles, frosting, or enjoy them plain.
- Easy to make:ย No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for any event:ย Great for holidays, bake sales, or an after-school snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8โ10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Makes approximately 24 cookies.
- Prep time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook time:ย 10 minutes
- Total time:ย 25 minutes
Variations
- Add citrus zest:ย Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Glazed cookies:ย Top with a simple sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Holiday-themed:ย Use food coloring and festive sprinkles to match the occasion.
- Almond flavor:ย Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty aroma.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating:ย Warm cookies in a 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their softness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but it will alter the texture and flavor. Consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix in a cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
6. Whatโs the best way to ensure evenly sized cookies?
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough uniformly.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still look soft.
9. Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Yes, royal icing works perfectly for decorating sugar cookies.
10. Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Follow the recipe measurements and timing carefully.
Conclusion
Soft sugar cookies are a must-have recipe for any home baker. Their buttery flavor, tender texture, and endless customization options make them a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether youโre baking for a special event or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Soft Sugar Cookies
Description
Soft sugar cookies are a delightful treat known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles to match the celebration.
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll and Cut:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each.
- Decorate:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
- Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
- Allow the frosting to set before storing or serving.
Notes
- Storage:ย Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft longer, place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
Yield:ย This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
- Customization:ย Feel free to adjust the frosting colors and decorations to match the theme of your event or holiday.
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