Soft Sugar Cookies with Sweet Simplicity
There’s something timeless about a well-made sugar cookie. Soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and just the right level of sweetness—they’re the kind of cookie that works for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them plain, rolling them in sugar, or decorating them with icing, these cookies always deliver that melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
Why These Sugar Cookies Work
This recipe gives you soft, bakery-style sugar cookies with a buttery flavor and tender crumb. They’re easy to roll, shape, or scoop, and they hold their form perfectly if you’re cutting them into shapes. No chilling required (unless you want it), and no complicated steps—just dependable, delicious cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (only if dough is too crumbly)
- Optional: extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla and beat again.
4. Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms. If it’s too crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it comes together.
5. Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each). Roll in sugar if desired, then place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers are still soft.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake—pull them when the centers look slightly underdone for a soft texture
- Add almond extract or citrus zest for a flavor twist
- For cut-out cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes and roll out on a floured surface
Decorating Ideas
- Drizzle with icing or dip in chocolate
- Use cookie cutters for seasonal shapes
- Add colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch
Final Thoughts
These sugar cookies are sweet, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep them classic or decorate them to the nines, they’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest bakes are the best.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
