Imagine sinking your teeth into a cloud-like cookie that instantly transports you back to your grandmother's warm kitchen, where love was baked into every single treat! These irresistibly soft sugar cookies are more than just a dessert—they're a sweet memory waiting to be recreated. With a perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness, these cookies will have your family and friends begging for the recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe guarantees melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness that will become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 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 white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in colored sugar, creating a slight decorative sparkle on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips
- • Always use room temperature butter and egg for the smoothest, most consistent dough • Don't skip the chilling step—it prevents cookies from spreading and ensures a tender texture • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking • Slightly underbake the cookies to maintain their soft, pillowy texture • Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup • Experiment with different colored sugars or sprinkles for festive variations • Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to maintain freshness • For extra flavor, try adding a hint of almond extract alongside vanilla
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
