I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It all started with a quest to recreate the soft sugar cookie of my childhood – the kind that practically melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. It took several kitchen experiments and lots of happy taste testers (aka my family!), but I finally perfected it.
This soft sugar cookie isn’t just about satisfying a sweet craving; it’s about creating a moment. It’s about the joy of pulling a warm tray from the oven and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s about the simple pleasure of a homemade treat, made with love and shared with family.
My youngest, Lily, declared this recipe “the bestest soft sugar cookie ever!”. When my family gets together, they expect these cookies! My goal is to help you create that same magic in your own kitchen. Are you ready to make memories with every bite?
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
For the best flavor in your soft sugar cookie, I recommend using high-quality vanilla extract. It makes all the difference! You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this soft sugar cookie at your local farmer’s market or co-op.
Trust me, this soft sugar cookie ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors! Consider using organic flour for a slightly nuttier flavor. The almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle, delicious complexity that my family loves. This soft sugar cookie proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. For the butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted; this is crucial for the cookie’s texture. My family loves when I add this extra touch to our soft sugar cookie: a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Let’s Create This Together!
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This helps prevent the soft sugar cookie from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a good electric mixer comes in handy! Creaming the butter and sugar properly incorporates air, which contributes to the soft sugar cookie texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The extracts really enhance the soft sugar cookie flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough for this soft sugar cookie should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes. This also ensures the chewy sugar cookie cooks evenly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my soft sugar cookie – learn from my experience! I’d often overbake them, resulting in a dry cookie. The key is to pull them out when they’re still slightly soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! Your soft sugar cookie should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. Don’t be surprised if your soft sugar cookie develops small cracks on the surface. This is perfectly normal and adds to their charm.
While your soft sugar cookie is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! Here’s a flavor-building wisdom: chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. But honestly, I rarely have the patience for that! In my kitchen, this flavorful soft sugar cookie typically takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake.
How We Love to Enjoy This!
My family loves these soft sugar cookies warm from the oven, with a cold glass of milk. The contrast of warm, sweet cookie and cold milk is simply divine. This cookie pairs wonderfully with other treats, too. For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore these sugar cookie recipes.
We also love to crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert. It’s also a welcome topping to this Halloween Cookie Cake. During the holidays, I often make a double batch and decorate them with colorful frosting and sprinkles. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic soft sugar cookie appears with frosting and sprinkles!
These soft sugar cookie are perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! They’re also a hit at potlucks and bake sales. If you have any leftover cookies (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To keep the flavor profile interesting, I suggest adding a little lemon zest into the batter for a citrus flavor.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Does this soft sugar cookie really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! My husband, who has a hearty appetite, can easily devour a few of these in one sitting. The combination of sweetness and buttery flavor is incredibly satisfying.
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their soft sugar cookie?
That’s no problem at all! Simply omit the almond extract. The vanilla extract alone will still provide a lovely, classic flavor.
How can I prepare this soft sugar cookie ahead for busy weeks?
You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour. I’ve had success using a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
There are a few reasons why your cookies might have spread too much. First, make sure your butter wasn’t too soft or melted. Second, avoid overmixing the dough. And third, chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to add about 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the dough. You can also add other mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
To keep your soft sugar cookie soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This soft sugar cookie supports my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a simple, homemade treat that brings everyone together. It’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest.
My soft sugar cookie Flavor Secrets:
- Use high-quality vanilla extract: It makes a world of difference in the flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cookies: Pull them out when they’re still slightly soft in the center.
- Add a pinch of sea salt before baking: This enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely contrast.
Here’s the link to another recipe like this one at soft peanut butter cookies.
Some family-tested soft sugar cookie variations:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
My daughter Lily loves the sprinkle version, while my husband prefers the classic vanilla. I hope you try them, too!
I encourage you to make this soft sugar cookie your own signature version. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating something special for your family. If you’re looking for recipe ideas, check out the recipes shared in this facebook group Soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe.
Here’s hoping you find success making this satisfying soft sugar cookie! I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that your family will love. I also found some helpful information here, Vanilla Sugar Cookies | King Arthur Baking.
soft sugar cookie
These soft sugar cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a tender crumb and delicate sweetness. Perfect for holidays or any day you need a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of almond extract to the dough. You can also roll the cookies in sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.