Soft Sugar Cookies

Bake the best Soft Sugar Cookies! These bakery-style treats are fluffy, frosted, and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion. Their sweet flavor and soft texture make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, these cookies can be customized with different flavors and colors.
• Fluffy Texture: The use of baking powder ensures that these cookies remain soft and airy, giving them a delightful mouthfeel.
• Frosting Options: Top your cookies with fondant or sprinkles for an added touch of sweetness and fun!
• Kid-Friendly: An excellent choice for baking with kids; they can help with mixing and decorating!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Soft Sugar Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make the experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a perfect cookie dough consistency.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements are key to achieving the right texture; having accurate measuring cups ensures your ingredients are just right.

Ingredients

To create scrumptious Soft Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1½ cups butter (3 sticks)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 5 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup melted butter (5⅓ tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 7-8 tablespoons milk
• food coloring (optional)
• sprinkles (optional)

Servings: 48
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT92M
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 185 kcal, Protein: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Fat: 8 g
Categories: Dessert

How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed:
1. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
1. Portion out dough onto prepared baking sheets; leave space between each cookie for spreading.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Cookies

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool on sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

Meanwhile, prepare your frosting by combining:
1. Melted butter with powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. Add vanilla extract and milk gradually until reaching desired consistency.
3. Optionally add food coloring as desired.

Step 7: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cookies are cooled:
1. Spread frosting generously on top of each cookie.
2. Add sprinkles if desired for extra fun!

Enjoy your Soft Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!

How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing your Soft Sugar Cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their sweetness and provides a classic comfort food experience.

Decorated for Special Occasions

• Use festive decorations like colored frosting and sprinkles to match holidays or celebrations. This adds a visual appeal and makes them perfect for events.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Soft Sugar Cookies for a delicious dessert twist. Choose flavors that complement the sweetness of the cookies.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

On Dessert Platters

• Arrange Soft Sugar Cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and cupcakes. This variety offers something for everyone at gatherings.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package a few cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts. This personal touch makes them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

How to Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies

Achieving the perfect Soft Sugar Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to help you bake these fluffy treats just right.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they mix well, leading to soft, airy cookies.
• Don’t over-mix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain tenderness. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour allows flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies caused by excess flour.
• Bake until edges are lightly golden: Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked for that soft texture.
• Cool on wire racks: Transferring cookies to wire racks allows air circulation, ensuring they cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich sweetness of sugar cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs beautifully with Soft Sugar Cookies.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows creates an indulgent treat alongside your cookies.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness, offering savory bites that complement dessert flavors.

5. Nut Mix
   A mix of nuts adds crunch and protein, providing an excellent snack option alongside your sweet treats.

6. Coffee or Tea
   Serving warm beverages like coffee or tea brings out the flavors in your Soft Sugar Cookies, creating a cozy pairing perfect for any time of day.

7. Pudding Cups
   Individual servings of pudding bring creamy texture and flavor variety that enhances the cookie experience.

8. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer mini cupcakes in different flavors for guests who want more than just one sweet treat on their plate alongside Soft Sugar Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft Sugar Cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft and fluffy result.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Packed flour leads to dry cookies. Spoon and level off flour for proper measurement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Soft Sugar Cookies can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Soft Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie on a skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Soft Sugar Cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

Soft Sugar Cookies are fluffy and tender due to extra butter and eggs, resulting in a cake-like texture.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Soft Sugar Cookies?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and follow the same recipe.

How do I make Soft Sugar Cookies with cream cheese?

Add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese to the dough for moist and flavorful cookies.

Can I customize my Soft Sugar Cookies with flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to add almond extract or citrus zest for unique twists on this classic recipe.

How should I store my Soft Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Their fluffy texture and sweet flavor make them a hit with everyone. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings like sprinkles or food coloring. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delightful treats fresh from your kitchen!