Best Soft Sugar Cookies

I’ve always had a soft spot for sugar cookies because they bring back the sweetest memories of baking with family during the holidays and on rainy weekends. There’s something so comforting about the smell of buttery dough baking in the oven, filling the house with that irresistible warmth. These best soft sugar cookies are light, chewy, and perfectly sweet just the kind of cookie that makes you smile with the very first bite.

I love how simple yet special they are. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen just a few pantry staples and a little patience for chilling the dough. What you get in return is the most tender, melt in your mouth cookie with a delicate vanilla flavor that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re baking them for a cozy night in or decorating them for a festive occasion, this recipe is foolproof. They hold their shape beautifully and stay soft for days. Let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with that nostalgic sugar cookie aroma that everyone loves!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Butter – Gives the cookies their soft, rich texture.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and creates that classic sugar cookie flavor.
• Eggs – Add structure and moisture to the cookies.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and warmth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Provides the base for a tender cookie.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies puff up slightly and stay soft.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Hand or stand mixer – To cream butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
• Whisk – For blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Baking sheet – To bake cookies evenly to a soft golden finish.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
• Cookie scoop – For portioning the dough into uniform rounds.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and lift off easily.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, I beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to making the cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, I add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. This gives the cookies that warm, sweet aroma everyone loves.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, I slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

I scoop the dough into small balls and roll each one in sugar. This creates a sparkly finish once baked.

Step 6: Bake

I place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then, I bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. They’ll stay soft and chewy even after cooling.

Tips

If you want your sugar cookies extra soft, don’t overbake them take them out while the centers still look slightly underdone. I sometimes chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better. You can also add a hint of almond extract for a lovely flavor twist.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these best soft sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re perfect for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or holiday platters. You can also decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for festive occasions. For a cozy dessert, try sandwiching them with vanilla frosting or lemon curd so simple yet delightful.

Storage Instructions

I usually store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft. If you want to save them longer, freeze the baked cookies or the dough balls for up to three months. Just bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my Best Soft Sugar Cookies from getting hard?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Can I decorate the Best Soft Sugar Cookies with frosting?

Yes! Once cooled, top them with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles for added flair.

Why did my Best Soft Sugar Cookies spread too much?

The butter may have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Chilling helps them hold their shape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake these best soft sugar cookies soon because they’re truly the perfect blend of simplicity and sweetness. I’d love to know how yours turn out whether you decorate them or enjoy them plain. Keep this recipe handy for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need a comforting homemade treat.

Happy Cooking!

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