Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you have a craving for something irresistibly sweet, tender, and perfectly soft, then Soft Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need in your life. These cookies boast a wonderful thickness and a tender crumb, with a delightful sugary crust that adds a subtle crunch to every bite. They are timeless classics that bring warmth and joy to every occasion, from an everyday treat to a highlight on your holiday cookie tray. Their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow method make them an absolute favorite to bake and share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft Sugar Cookies come together with basic but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the ideal balance of flavor and texture. From butter’s richness to the precise measure of flour, every item helps turn this classic cookie into a beloved treat.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds rich flavor and ensures a tender, moist cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps to create that signature crunchy sugar crust when rolling the dough balls.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients for a soft, chewy cookie.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with a warm, classic flavor that elevates every bite.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups, properly measured): The backbone of the dough, giving it structure without making the cookies tough.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft and thick result.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors overall.
• Granulated sugar for rolling (¼ cup): Creates a sweet and crunchy outer crust that makes these cookies extra special.

How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their wonderful tender texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing these in thoroughly ensures a smooth, uniform dough with great flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting prevents lumps and helps distribute the leavening evenly for perfectly textured cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so keep it gentle and mindful.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to meld and firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls later on.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scooping or hand-rolling the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls, gently coat each in granulated sugar to get the signature crunchy shell.

Step 7: Arrange and Bake

Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. You can leave them as rounded balls for thick cookies or gently flatten slightly to encourage a softer top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are set and edges just start to brown.

Step 8: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up perfectly while staying soft inside.

How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

While these Soft Sugar Cookies shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of colored sugar, edible glitter, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can turn them into festive delights that brighten any cookie platter.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft treats with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or rich hot chocolate for a comforting sweet experience. They also complement fresh berries or fruit preserves for a hint of tartness alongside their sugary goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, stack Soft Sugar Cookies into towers tied with ribbons, or sandwich them with flavored frosting or fruit jam between two cookies. You can even dip half of each one in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best softness, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies tender for days.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and baked Soft Sugar Cookies. Wrap dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Baked cookies freeze well in sealed containers and last up to 3 months too.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness. Alternatively, a quick 3-4 minute roast in a preheated 300℉ oven will bring back their tender texture and fresh-from-the-oven aroma.

FAQs

What makes these Soft Sugar Cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

The thickness and the chilled dough method help keep these cookies exceptionally soft and tender, with a light crunch from rolling the dough in sugar, which is not typical in all sugar cookies.

Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control the salt content accurately. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I measure flour properly for these cookies?

For perfect results, use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you don’t have one, spoon the flour gently into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly, which packs the flour and can lead to dry cookies.

Can I add flavor variations to the dough?

Absolutely! Add lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla, or mix in spices like cinnamon for a twist. Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles are great additions to make them more fun.

How long will these cookies stay soft?

If stored properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread, these Soft Sugar Cookies can stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort cookie that balances sweetness, softness, and a touch of crunch, these Soft Sugar Cookies are a must-try. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire and a delight to share with everyone you love.