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Soft Sugar Cookies

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. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet, these cookies are sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Instructions

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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):

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

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