There’s just something magical about soft sugar cookies, don’t you think? They’re like a warm hug on a plate, each bite melt-in-your-mouth sweet with a delicate, tender texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you want a little sweet treat, these cookies are the perfect choice. They’re buttery, light, and just sweet enough to satisfy without being overwhelming. Imagine biting into one and it’s just soft and pillowy—pure cookie bliss.
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Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to bake them all the time. So let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love Soft Sugar Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating sweet memories. Here’s why these soft sugar cookies should be your go-to:
Simple Ingredients
You likely already have everything you need to make these soft sugar cookies in your pantry. From the sugar to the butter, it’s a straightforward list that makes this recipe an easy win.
Quick and Easy
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, simple recipe, this one’s for you. In no time, you’ll be pulling warm cookies out of the oven. Plus, the dough doesn’t require any chilling, so you can skip that step and start baking right away.
Perfect Texture
These cookies bake up soft and chewy with a light, delicate crumb. Every bite is like a little piece of cookie heaven.
Versatile
Want to add a twist? You can easily make these cookies your own by adding sprinkles, frosting, or even a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor. They’re a blank canvas ready for your creativity!
Crowd-Pleasing
No matter the occasion, these cookies are always a hit. Kids love them, adults love them—really, who can resist soft, sugary goodness?
Ingredients in Soft Sugar Cookies
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Butter: The foundation of a soft cookie! Butter gives the cookie a rich flavor and keeps it tender.
Sugar: A must for that classic sweetness and slight crispiness on the outside of the cookie.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together, creating that soft texture and chewy bite.
Flour: The structure of the cookie. Flour gives it shape, but don’t worry—it won’t make these cookies dense.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The combo that helps these cookies rise just enough, making them soft and light.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla elevates the flavor, making the cookies even more irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these delightful soft sugar cookies:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking, and your cookies will be perfect every time.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in sugar for that signature sugar cookie sparkle.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still look a little soft in the center—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Let It Cool:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’ve cooled, serve these soft sugar cookies with a glass of milk or just enjoy them on their own!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delightful treat.
Milk: Pair them with a cold glass of milk for that perfect cookie and milk moment.
Fruit: Serve them with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a warm beverage for a cozy treat anytime.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overmix the Dough:
When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and that’s not the goal here!
Chill the Dough (Optional):
If you have time and want an extra soft cookie, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a slightly thicker cookie.
Add a Twist:
Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a dash of almond extract for a fun variation!
Storage Tips:
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch. Just note that the flavor might be slightly different.
Q2: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A2: Absolutely! Brown sugar will give the cookies a slightly deeper flavor, but they will still be deliciously soft.
Q3: How do I make the cookies thicker?
A3: Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies keep their shape.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, you can! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them on the baking sheet and bake as usual.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for later enjoyment!
Q6: Can I add frosting to these cookies?
A6: Yes, they are perfect for frosting! Use a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary.
Q8: Can I use a cookie scoop?
A8: Yes, a cookie scoop works great for uniform cookie sizes. Just be sure to roll the dough balls in sugar before baking.
Q9: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Q10: How do I make these cookies chewy?
A10: Don’t overbake them! Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
There you have it—simple, sweet, and totally irresistible Soft Sugar Cookies. Perfect for sharing (or not) and making memories over, one bite at a time. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 27 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These The Best Sugar Cookies are soft, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
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5 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (720 grams)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
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1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3/4 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or cake batter extract)
For the Frosting:
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1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or cake batter extract)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup milk
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5 cups powdered sugar
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3-4 drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 3 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars:
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter, 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
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Add Wet Ingredients:
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Slowly add oil while mixing. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla extract (or cake batter extract). Mix until combined.
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Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture until just combined.
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Form Cookie Dough Balls:
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Scoop two small scoops of dough, roll them into one ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. (You should fit 9 balls per sheet.)
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Flatten Dough Balls:
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Pour the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar into a small bowl. Dip the bottom of a drinking glass (about 3 inches wide) into water, then into the sugar. Press the glass onto each dough ball to flatten to a ½-inch thickness. Repeat with all dough balls.
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Bake Cookies:
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Bake for 8-9 minutes. Don’t over-bake! (The short baking time keeps the cookies soft.) Remove from oven and let cool on the sheets (no need to transfer to a wire rack). Store in the fridge until ready to frost and eat.
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For the Frosting:
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Make the Frosting:
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Place butter, vanilla extract (or cake batter extract), and salt in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add milk and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add food coloring and blend until well mixed.
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Frost the Cookies:
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Frost the cooled cookies with the prepared frosting. Serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg