Ah, soft sugar cookies! They’re like little pillows of sweetness that melt in your mouth, aren’t they? I absolutely adore these tender treats, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven, slightly warm and dusted with powdered sugar. I remember baking these with my grandma every holiday season; it was our special bonding time. The aroma would fill the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to sneak one before they cooled! Trust me, once you try these soft sugar cookies, you’ll find any occasion is a perfect excuse to whip up a batch. They truly are irresistible!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for sprinkling
How to Prepare Soft Sugar Cookies
Making soft sugar cookies is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important for getting that perfect texture!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set it aside for now; this will help give your cookies that lovely rise.
- Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and trust me, it makes a difference!
- Then, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Make sure everything is well combined and creamy.
- Now, it’s time to gradually blend in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl. Don’t rush this part; mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and fluffy.
- Using rounded teaspoonfuls, roll the dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space for them to spread.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle a little confectioners’ sugar on top for that sweet finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They’ll look a bit soft, but that’s what you want!
- Finally, let them cool on wire racks before indulging. The hardest part is waiting, but it’s so worth it!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your soft sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened, as this helps create that lovely creamy texture. Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; a gentle hand keeps those cookies soft and tender. If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or using a mix of vanilla and almond extracts. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on them as they bake—pull them out when the edges are just golden for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful soft sugar cookies! Each cookie is roughly 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t break the calorie bank. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
These values are based on typical ingredients, so depending on your variations, they might fluctuate a bit. But hey, that just means you can enjoy them without too much guilt, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy days!
- Soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable with your favorite extracts or toppings.
- Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly—everyone loves them!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that using whole wheat flour may change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. You might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for a softer result.
What’s the best way to store soft sugar cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation that many people love. Just fold them in after blending the dry ingredients for an extra treat.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Try rolling the dough in colored sugar before baking or adding sprinkles on top! It’s a fun way to dress them up for special occasions.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because your butter was too warm. Make sure it’s softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your soft sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be as soft and sweet as the day you baked them!
If you prefer them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat—nobody wants a cookie that’s tough!
Personal Anecdote
Every year, my family gathers for a cookie decorating party, and soft sugar cookies are always the star of the show! I remember one holiday season, my niece and I got a bit carried away with the sprinkles and ended up with a colorful mess that covered the kitchen table. We laughed until our sides hurt, and those cookies turned out to be the most deliciously chaotic ones we ever made. It’s these moments that make baking so special!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies or Salted Caramel Stuffed Cookies. You can also learn about the health benefits of sugar to better understand your favorite sweet treats!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft sugar cookies are tender and sweet, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft sugar cookies, sugar cookies, dessert
