Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a soft, chewy sugar cookie. With their tender texture and subtle sweetness, they are the perfect treat for any occasion—be it a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon snack. This Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe will show you how to create the perfect cookies that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with frosting and sprinkles, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe has everything you love about sugar cookies and more. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to bake them again and again:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies come out of the oven soft and stay chewy for days.
- Easy to Customize: Decorate with your favorite frosting and sprinkles for any occasion!
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends, family, or co-workers and watch them disappear!
What Goes Into Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
To create the perfect batch of soft sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
- 1 cup salted butter (170 grams), room temperature (1 ½ sticks)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams), divided
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- 1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- Pre-prepared frosting (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools and equipment ready:
- Baking Sheet: Use a flat baking sheet to spread out your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing ingredients and a smaller one for combining dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to great cookies.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars easier.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out cookie dough evenly.
Method: Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your soft sugar cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature salted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and all of the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 5: Add the Egg, Zest, and Vanilla
Add the large egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Optional Frosting
Once the cookies are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite pre-prepared frosting and add sprinkles for an extra touch of fun.
In-Season Swaps
You can easily customize this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe based on seasonal flavors or what you have in your pantry:
- Holiday Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor during the holidays.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Nut Flavors: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Fruit Zests: Experiment with orange or lime zest for a different citrus flavor.
Don’t Do This
To ensure the best results with your Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for proper creaming.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this step as it can lead to cookies sticking to the pan.
- Underbaking: Make sure to bake until the edges are golden for the right texture.
Save It for Later
These soft sugar cookies can be stored for later enjoyment. Here are some tips to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Frosting: If you frost the cookies, consume them within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
Popular Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Butter generally provides a richer taste and better texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free soft sugar cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! You can experiment with different sugars, but keep in mind that using brown sugar will give the cookies a chewier texture, while granulated sugar will result in a crispier cookie.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help it firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
Final Thoughts
Baking soft sugar cookies is not only a rewarding experience but also a great way to fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. This Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to keep them simple or dress them up with frosting and sprinkles, each bite will bring a smile to your face. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some of the best cookies you’ll ever make!
These soft sugar cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature salted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and all of the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the large egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite pre-prepared frosting and add sprinkles for an extra touch of fun.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze the dough balls before baking; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- If you frost the cookies, consume them within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
