Description
Delightful Soft Sugar Cookies bring pure comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, dancing with buttery sweetness and nostalgic charm. Crisp edges and pillowy centers make these classic treats perfect for sharing with family and friends who crave homemade happiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fats and Sugars:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients and Flavorings:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 3 tablespoons milk (to thin)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and develops a fluffy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
- Blend vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream into the wet ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive base.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
- Utilize a cookie scoop or hands to form uniform dough balls, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Place cookies in the preheated oven, baking for 8-10 minutes until edges stabilize and tops appear slightly puffy, maintaining a delicate pale appearance.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For frosting, whip butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, adjusting liquid to achieve desired consistency.
- Once cookies have cooled completely, decorate with prepared frosting, adding food coloring or sprinkles for visual appeal.
Notes
- Softened butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture that blends perfectly with sugar, creating a light and fluffy base for your cookies.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients, as this can develop gluten and result in tough, dense cookies instead of soft, tender ones.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same delightful texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 184
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 73 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg