Easy Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
Easy Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves cookies that are tender and melt in your mouth. These cookies have just the right amount of sweetness…
Tip: save now, cook later.Easy Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves cookies that are tender and melt in your mouth. These cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture that makes them a total crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, they come together quickly and taste like a little piece of homemade happiness.
I love making these cookies when I need a quick sweet fix or when friends and family stop by unexpectedly. The best part is that they’re so easy to mix up, and they don’t require any fancy tools or a lot of time. I usually sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking to give them a tiny, sweet crunch on the outside while staying soft inside—it’s a little trick I picked up that makes them extra special.
These sugar cookies are great on their own with a cup of milk or coffee, but I also like to add a fun twist by decorating them with colored sugar or simple icing when I want to celebrate a special occasion. They remind me of cozy afternoons baking with my family, and they never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re after a simple, soft cookie that’s always a hit, this recipe is your new best friend!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter helps the dough cream properly, giving you those soft cookies. If you need dairy-free, try vegan margarine or coconut oil, but the texture might vary a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and affects texture. Brown sugar can be swapped in for a chewier cookie with a slight caramel hint.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure. For a lighter cookie, use cake flour. Gluten-free blends can work too, just check the package for best results.
Buttermilk or Milk: These keep cookies soft and moist. If buttermilk isn’t handy, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit 5 minutes for a quick substitute.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: These add flavor depth. Vanilla is a must, almond is optional but a small splash adds a lovely twist. Feel free to swap almond extract for lemon zest or orange zest for different flavor notes.
How Do I Keep Sugar Cookies Soft and Easy to Roll?
Soft sugar cookies need the right dough consistency and gentle handling. Here’s how I get perfect dough every time:
- Cream butter and sugar well: This traps air and gives a light, tender cookie.
- Don’t overmix dry ingredients: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Add milk gradually: Stop when dough is soft but not sticky. This makes rolling easier and results in a soft bake.
- Roll dough evenly: Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to bake evenly.
- Watch baking time: Bake just until edges are set but the middle is still soft to keep them tender.
If the dough warms up too much, chill it briefly for easier rolling. I like to sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a slight crunch without losing softness inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – perfect for combining your ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate baking results every time.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough evenly for consistent cookie shapes.
- Cookie cutters – great for creating fun holiday shapes like trees and snowflakes.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool evenly and keep their soft texture.
- Piping bags or squeeze bottles – handy for decorating cookies with icing precisely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the classic flavor.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips for little bursts of chocolate that complement the sweetness.
- Substitute almond extract with peppermint extract during holidays for a festive touch.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or crushed candy canes on top before baking for extra crunch and color.
Easy Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring as desired
- Sprinkles or edible decorations for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation and rolling time, plus 8-10 minutes of baking per batch. Allow additional time for cooling and decorating, depending on your icing design. Overall, expect around 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish for a full batch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder—this helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Next, in a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until just combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Add the buttermilk or milk one tablespoon at a time, stopping when the dough is soft enough to roll but not sticky.
2. Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters — like trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men — to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them slightly apart.
3. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just set and start to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make and Apply the Icing:
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more sugar or milk as needed. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint with food coloring to your liking.
Decorate the cooled cookies using piping bags or a knife. Add sprinkles or other edible decorations for a festive touch. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing your cookies.
Enjoy your soft, tender sugar cookies perfect for any holiday celebration or special occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting out your cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Sugar Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If decorated with icing, let the icing fully set before storing to avoid smudging.
Can I Substitute Almond Extract?
Absolutely! If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or try lemon or peppermint extract for different flavors, keeping in mind that these will slightly change the cookie’s taste.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.