These Soft Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion! With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delicate sweetness, these cookies are simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow and yields perfectly soft and chewy cookies every time. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or simply a cozy afternoon treat, these Soft Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a perfectly soft and chewy texture that will melt in your mouth.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips for success.
Versatile: You can decorate these cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings for any occasion.
Classic Flavor: These cookies have a classic vanilla flavor that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Soft Sugar Cookies:

Unsalted butter: Room temperature, it adds richness and flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
Large eggs: Room temperature, they bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: Measured properly, it provides structure and creates a chewy texture.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Granulated sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls, it adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, add the room temperature butter and granulated sugar.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.
Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop or shape it by hand into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls.
Gently roll the dough balls in granulated sugar to coat.
Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and barely golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.¹

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will blend more easily and create a smoother dough.
Measure flour correctly: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement, or use the spoon-and-level method if you don’t have a scale. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this will result in too much flour and dry cookies.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake them just until the edges are set and lightly golden.

How to Decorate and Serve

Frosting: Frost the cooled cookies with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or royal icing.
Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough before baking or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.
Glaze: Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
Sandwiches: Make cookie sandwiches by filling two cookies with frosting, ice cream, or jam.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Dough

Store the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Storing Cookies

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep the cookies soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! You can add extracts, spices, or even chocolate chips to the dough for different flavors.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies are flat, it could be due to several reasons, such as not chilling the dough long enough, using too much butter, or overmixing the dough.

Enjoy these soft, chewy, and delicious Soft Sugar Cookies!