Soft Sugar Cookies
Nothing says classic comfort like soft sugar cookies, especially ones that melt in your mouth with a gentle chew. This award-winning recipe is designed for ease—no rolling pin needed, just mix, roll, and bake. A foolproof choice for bakers of all levels!
These cookies are a canvas for creativity, ready to be dressed up with colored sugars that make them perfect for any celebration. Whether it’s a baby shower or a holiday gathering, they’re sure to impress with their soft, buttery texture and delicate sweetness.
With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe will quickly become a staple. The result? Deliciously soft, sweet treats that offer just the right balance of vanilla richness and buttery bliss in every bite.
Soft Sugar Cookies: Key Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, butter adds richness and enhances each cookie’s golden softness.
White Sugar
This sweet staple gives the cookies their delicate flavor, balancing chewiness and crisp edges with just the right sweetness.
Eggs
Binding the ingredients together, eggs add moisture and create that irresistibly soft center.
Vanilla Extract
A hint of warm vanilla brings depth to each bite, elevating the cookies’ classic flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour
Providing structure and substance, flour gives these cookies their light, fluffy consistency.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough for Better Shape
Although this recipe doesn’t require chilling, placing the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes can improve the cookie’s shape and texture. Chilling solidifies the butter, reducing spread in the oven and helping the cookies maintain a round, puffy appearance. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together, creating a richer taste. - Use Room Temperature Ingredients for a Smooth Texture
Let your butter, shortening, and eggs reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and allows the ingredients to combine more easily, resulting in a more consistent and tender texture. Cold ingredients can make the batter lumpy and affect the cookie’s rise and softness, so a little patience can go a long way. - Switch Racks Halfway for Even Baking
Soft sugar cookies bake best with an even heat distribution. To achieve this, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Switch the racks between the top and bottom positions to ensure the cookies on both levels bake evenly, achieving that light golden-brown base without over-browning.
What to Serve with Soft Sugar Cookies
- Warm Cup of Tea or Coffee
A warm beverage like tea or coffee complements the subtle sweetness of soft sugar cookies perfectly. The gentle bitterness of coffee or an aromatic tea enhances the cookies’ vanilla notes, making each bite richer and more satisfying. A perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat. - Fresh Berries or Fruit Compote
Add a touch of freshness to your cookie plate by serving these cookies with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of fruit compote. The tartness of berries or citrus-based compotes contrasts with the cookie’s sweetness, adding a vibrant, fruity layer to each bite. - Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
For an indulgent dessert, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures balance the slight crunch of the sugar coating, creating a delightful blend of flavors and temperatures that’s irresistible.
FAQ
- Can I use all butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that all-butter cookies will spread a bit more and may be slightly crispier. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes. - How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few marshmallows. These help maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and fresh for longer. - Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add flavors like almond extract or citrus zest. Just a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of lemon zest can add a unique twist without overwhelming the classic vanilla base.
Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup colored decorating sugar
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all ingredients and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the decorating sugar into a small bowl, using separate bowls if you wish to use multiple colors.
- In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and shortening together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually blend in the granulated sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the dough into balls, each roughly the size of a walnut. Roll each ball in the decorating sugar to coat evenly, then arrange them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets between racks halfway through the baking time. When the bottoms are a light golden brown, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
