If you’re craving a cookie that’s irresistibly tender with just the right amount of sweetness, this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These cookies are tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a delicate crisp edge and a dusting of sugar that gives each bite a cheerful sparkle. Perfect for any occasion, they strike a balance between simplicity and comfort, making them one of those classic treats you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture and flavorful bite. From the rich, creamy butter to the combination of granulated and powdered sugars, every element is essential for that perfect balance of lightness and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 â…› cups / 300g): Provides the structure and chewiness that hold the cookies together beautifully.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): A little leavening that helps give a subtle lift and softness.
- Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t one-dimensional.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227g), softened: Adds richness and tenderness; softened butter creates the ideal creaminess when mixed.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup / 130g): Gives sweetness and a slight crunch that’s so delightful.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup / 85g): Contributes to softness and a tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warm, comforting fragrance.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g), for rolling: Coats the cookie dough to give a sparkling crunch on top.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, which will keep your cookies from sticking and baking evenly. Getting this ready ahead makes the process seamless.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt until thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, which is key to uniform cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where that soft texture starts to form, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract, blending everything until smooth and fully incorporated. The egg provides moisture and structure, while the vanilla ramps up the flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing develops gluten and can make the cookies tough instead of soft.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat
Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to cover completely, which adds a sweet sparkle and a slight crispness on the cookie’s surface once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Press each ball down lightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm, which encourages even spreading and a classic cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to set and just begin to turn golden, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This cooling step lets the cookies firm up just enough while staying soft inside.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a bit more granulated sugar or even colored sanding sugar over the cookies right before baking to add sparkle and texture. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar after cooling for an elegant look that’s perfect for gatherings.
Side Dishes
Soft sugar cookies are fantastic paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of tea or coffee. For a brunch or dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a creamy fruit dip to balance the sweetness and add some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or decorate with edible glitter for festive occasions. The simple base of this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe provides endless opportunities to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your soft sugar cookies fresh and tender, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh for up to one week, and placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture, keeping them wonderfully soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and sliding it into the freezer until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in airtight containers separated by parchment to prevent sticking.
Reheating
If your soft sugar cookies lose a touch of their fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This will refresh their tender texture and make them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of powdered sugar and creamed butter in this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe creates a tender, delicate crumb. Additionally, the baking time ensures the edges are set but the centers stay slightly underbaked, preserving softness.
Can I substitute margarine or oil for butter?
Butter is key to the rich flavor and texture here. Margarine or oil won’t provide the same results; they affect both taste and spread. It’s best to use unsalted butter softened to room temperature for ideal softness and flavor.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in sugar before baking?
Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a delightful outer crunch and a pretty sparkle once baked, creating a wonderful contrast with the soft interior that makes these cookies so memorable.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can stir in citrus zest, sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips to customize your cookies. Just be careful not to add too much or the texture might change.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough briefly if your kitchen is warm. Pressing the dough balls down gently before baking also helps control spreading.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple yet indulgent little bite of happiness that brings warmth and smiles, making every bite a little celebration. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake some joy into your day—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Soft Sugar Cookies that boast a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect balance of sweetness. Rolled in granulated sugar before baking, these classic cookies are slightly crisp on the edges and soft at the center, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 â…› cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- â…” cup (130g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (85g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt. This blends the leavening agents evenly and disperses the salt for balanced flavor.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air to give the cookies a soft texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, enhancing moisture and flavor in the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughening.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat completely, which adds a slight crunch and sweetness on the exterior.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a flatter cookie shape that bakes evenly.
- Oven Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden brown, while the centers remain soft and appear slightly underbaked for optimal softness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps them finish firming up without becoming hard.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and uniform texture.
- Do not overmix dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies soft.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Cookies will seem soft when removed but will firm up as they cool.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness for up to 5 days.
