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A plate of freshly baked soft sugar cookies, golden and chewy.

Soft Sugar Cookies

These classic soft sugar cookies are easy to make, featuring a tender texture and a delightful hint of vanilla, perfect for any occasion or decorating.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • ½ tsp Cream of tartar
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, slightly flatten them, and arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  6. 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.
  7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra soft cookies, be careful not to overbake them; they should look slightly underdone in the middle. If desired, sprinkle with extra granulated sugar before baking or frost once cooled.