Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s tender, delightful, and downright irresistible, these Soft Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with buttery richness and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth frosting, this recipe gives you the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply to brighten your day, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite indulgence that brings smiles with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Soft Sugar Cookies lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create that perfect soft texture and mouthwatering flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy butter lending richness to the vanilla adding warmth and the right amount of flour ensuring the soft but structured crumb.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature, it provides a rich, creamy base and helps keep the cookies tender.
• Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the dough while contributing to the cookies’ subtle crisp edges.
• Large eggs (2): These bind the ingredients, adding moisture and aiding in the cookie’s soft chew.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A must-have for that warm, inviting flavor that perfectly complements the sugary sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): The structure builder, giving the cookies shape while keeping them soft.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift, helping the cookies stay fluffy without spreading too thin.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the frosting, this creates a smooth, sweet finish that melts into the soft cookie surface.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Added to the frosting for just the right creamy consistency.
• Optional food coloring and sprinkles: To personalize your Soft Sugar Cookies with fun colors and festive decorations.

How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This setup step might be simple, but it’s vital to get those perfect soft and evenly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture feels light and fluffy. This creaming process is key; it traps air that helps give your cookies their coveted soft texture and gentle rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate moisture and structure, then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs keep the cookie tender while vanilla adds that classic sweet aroma that makes these treats so addictive.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and prevents any salty pockets, contributing to an even, soft crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can toughen the dough and compromise the softness you’re going for.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Dough

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up enough to transfer without breaking. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your creamy topping.

Step 8: Make and Apply the Frosting

For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add food coloring if you want a splash of personality. Once the cookies have fully cooled, slather on the frosting and sprinkle fun toppings if you like.

How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of colored sugar or festive sprinkles instantly transforms these Soft Sugar Cookies into crowd-pleasers perfect for parties or holidays. For an extra special touch, try edible glitter or mini chocolate chips to add texture and sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich hot cocoa, or even a fresh fruit salad for a balance of sweetness and brightness. Serving them with warm beverages elevates the cozy comfort factor.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Soft Sugar Cookies into charming gifts by stacking them with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin or wrapping them individually in cellophane with a colorful ribbon. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking for holiday-themed presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Soft Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain softness—it’s a classic baker’s trick!

Freezing

If you want to save your cookie batch for later, freeze the unbaked dough in balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked and frosted cookies, separated by parchment paper, in an airtight container.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven for a minute to revive that freshly baked softness and make the frosting delightfully melty again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for these cookies?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final taste.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Using full-fat butter and not skimping on the eggs also helps keep them tender.

Can I decorate these cookies without frosting?

Absolutely! You can simply roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a quick, tasty decoration.

What’s the best way to add color to the frosting?

A few drops of gel food coloring give vibrant hues without making the frosting runny, unlike liquid coloring. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired shade.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, baked and frosted cookies freeze well. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Soft Sugar Cookies a try because they’re an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Their tender crumb and creamy frosting hit all the right spots for a sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re making them as a gift or savoring them home, these cookies promise to bring a little extra happiness to your day.

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