Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Every home needs a dependable sugar cookie recipe. This one reminds me of the kind baked in family kitchens years ago, when cookies cooled on the counter and everyone waited patiently for the first warm bite. These soft sugar cookies are simple, honest, and made from everyday ingredients. They come together quickly, stay tender for days, and bring that familiar homemade comfort we all love.

Yield: 16 large cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2½ cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, cool room temperature
• 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar, for rolling
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire cooling rack

Directions

1. Heat the oven
   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1¼ cups sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
4. Add egg and flavoring
   Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The extra yolk helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
5. Make the dough
   Slowly add the flour mixture. Mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing makes tough cookies.
6. Shape the cookies
   Place the remaining sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls and coat lightly in sugar.
7. Arrange on baking sheets
   Set cookies about 2 inches apart. Press gently with the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten slightly.
8. Bake the cookies
   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges will look set while the centers stay soft. This is just right.
9. Cool properly
   Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes. Move to a wire rack and cool completely.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Use butter that is soft but still cool to the touch. If it feels greasy, it is too warm.
• Do not overbake. The cookies should look pale in the center when removed from the oven.
• A large scoop makes thick cookies with soft middles.
• Serve with a glass of milk, hot tea, or pack into lunch tins and holiday boxes.
• These cookies also make fine ice cream sandwiches in warm weather.

Nutrition Information

Each cookie has about 200 calories with a balance of carbohydrates, butter fat, and a small amount of protein from eggs.

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Storage and FAQs