Soft Sugar Cookies
These soft sugar cookies are tender, buttery, and simple to make. They have lightly crisp edges, a soft center, and can be decorated with buttercream frosting or royal icing, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened butter for easy creaming.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup secret ingredient (e.g., sour cream or cream cheese) Optional for richer cookies.
For decoration
- Buttercream frosting or royal icing For decorating cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
- If using, mix in the secret ingredient.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Baking
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Let cool on wire racks before frosting.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.