Soft sugar cookies are loved by many for their light and fluffy texture. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon at home. These cookies are easy to make and can be decorated to fit any celebration, making them a delightful treat for friends and family.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 0.333 cup colored decorating sugar
- 0.66666668653488 cup shortening
- 0.66666668653488 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place decorating sugar in a small bowl (or use several colors and separate bowls).
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Beat shortening and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in sugar until combined, then add eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
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Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat, then place them 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the bottoms are light brown, about 10 to 12 minutes, switching racks halfway through. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on wire racks.
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Enjoy!
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies
Serve soft sugar cookies on a platter to share with friends and family. They pair well with milk or your favorite warm beverage. Try adding different colored decorations for a fun twist!
How to Store Soft Sugar Cookies
To keep your soft sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and they will stay good for up to three months.
Tips to Make Soft Sugar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- For even baking, consider using multiple cookie sheets and rotating them halfway through.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for a fun twist. For seasonal cookies, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly.
2. How can I make these cookies chewy?
To make your cookies chewier, don’t overbake them. Take them out when they are still slightly soft in the center.
3. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! Add a few drops of food coloring to the wet ingredients to make colorful cookies.
Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, slightly flatten them, and arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.