Soft Sugar Cookies

Introduction

Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth softness. These classic cookies have a tender crumb, are easy to make, and are endlessly versatile. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated with frosting and sprinkles, they’re a timeless treat for any occasion.

I remember making these cookies for a family gathering, and they disappeared within minutes! The soft, chewy texture and lightly sweet flavor make them irresistible to kids and adults alike. What’s even better is how adaptable they are—you can keep them simple for a cozy snack or dress them up with colorful frosting and toppings for a festive celebration.

These cookies are incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that will bring joy to any moment. They’re sure to become a family favorite you’ll return to again and again!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Birthday parties
• Afternoon snacks
• Celebrations or special events
• Simple baking fun

Why You’ll Love This Soft Sugar Cookies

Here’s why Soft Sugar Cookies deserve a spot in your recipe collection:

• Soft and Chewy: The perfect balance of softness and a chewy texture makes these cookies irresistible.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires just basic pantry ingredients.
• Customizable: Add your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or decorations to match any theme or holiday.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are loved by kids and adults alike.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for a quick treat anytime.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Around 150 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Soft Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Optional for Decoration:

• Powdered sugar or frosting
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates the soft, tender texture of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a slightly crisp exterior.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Milk: Ensures the dough is soft and helps the cookies stay moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Soft Sugar Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Shape and Bake:

6. Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop dough balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each). Roll the dough balls between your hands for a smooth shape.
7. Flatten Slightly: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate (Optional):

10. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, decorate with your favorite frosting, powdered sugar, or sprinkles.

How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Plain: Enjoy the cookies as-is for a classic, no-fuss treat.
• Frosted: Add your favorite frosting and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch.
• Holiday Themed: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and decorate with colored frosting and sprinkles.
• With Coffee or Milk: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a comforting snack.

Additional Tips for Soft Sugar Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Soft Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Chill the Dough: Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Roll to an Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or a flat surface to ensure uniform cookie thickness, which helps them bake evenly.
• Underbake Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar for Rolling: If rolling out the dough, lightly dust the surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar instead of flour to avoid adding extra dryness.
• Use High-Quality Extracts: Opt for real vanilla or almond extract for the best flavor. Artificial flavors can leave an aftertaste.
• Let Cookies Cool on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to rest for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking.
• Store with Bread for Softness: Store baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain their softness. The bread absorbs excess moisture, keeping the cookies fresh.

Recipe Variations for Soft Sugar Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Soft Sugar Cookies:

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough.
• Almond Sugar Cookies: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Mix colorful sprinkles directly into the dough for a funfetti effect.
• Brown Butter Sugar Cookies: Brown the butter before creaming it with the sugar for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a cozy fall flavor.
• Coconut Sugar Cookies: Replace half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a caramel-like sweetness.
• Frosted Sugar Sandwich Cookies: Spread frosting between two cookies to create a sandwich-style treat.

Freezing and Storage for Soft Sugar Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frosted cookies should be stored in the fridge if they contain perishable toppings.

Special Equipment for Soft Sugar Cookies

Here are some tools that will help you make your Soft Sugar Cookies:

• Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar to achieve a fluffy texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wire Rack: Allows the cookies to cool completely.

Frequently Asked Questions for Soft Sugar Cookies

1. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
   Chilling isn’t required, but it helps if the dough feels sticky or you want thicker cookies.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. Can I freeze baked cookies?
   Yes, freeze baked cookies in a single layer and then store them in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
5. Why are my cookies flat?
   Make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh, and avoid over-softening the butter.

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Conclusion

Soft Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that everyone loves. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decorating possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion—from holidays to casual get-togethers. Whether you prefer them plain or topped with colorful frosting and sprinkles, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

This recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to deliver soft, delicious sugar cookies every time. Whether you’re baking with family or whipping up a batch to share, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

I’d love to see how your Soft Sugar Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!