Soft Sugar Cookies
Buttery, pillowy sugar cookies that stay soft in the center with just-set edges. A classic American treat ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any occasion.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 12
- Calories
- 156
- Protein
- 2g
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- 1
Set the oven to 350°F and wait until the indicator light or beep tells you it has finished preheating, about 10 minutes. While it heats, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together for 2–3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, like thick frosting.
- 3
Crack the egg into a small bowl, then add it to the butter mixture along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute until well combined and smooth.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour and 0.25 teaspoon baking powder until no lumps remain.
- 5
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour streaks remain and the dough is soft and uniform.
- 6
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, spacing each cookie 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
- 7
Place both baking sheets in the 350°F oven and bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set and just beginning to turn light golden, but the centers still look soft and pale.
- 8
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit on the hot sheets for 5 minutes — they will continue to cook slightly and firm up.
- 9
Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack or clean countertop and let them cool completely for at least 10 minutes before eating. They will soften as they cool.
Tools you’ll need
- two large baking sheets
- parchment paper
- large mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- small bowl
- separate mixing bowl
- whisk
- wooden spoon
- tablespoon or small cookie scoop
- wire cooling rack (optional)
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