Description
Hands down, the best soft sugar cookie recipe we’ve ever tested! These cookies are light, buttery, and perfectly sweet — a classic treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar + extra for rolling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- With mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Scrape the bowl and beat again for 30 seconds to fully incorporate.
- Place extra granulated sugar in a small bowl. Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to gently press each ball to 1/3–1/2 inch thick.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the centers are barely set.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing.
Notes
- Don’t skip the 3–5 minute creaming step — it ensures the cookies turn out light and soft.
- Use a glass bottom to flatten cookies for even baking and shape.
- These cookies are perfect for decorating once cooled.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
