Soft Sugar Cookies
There’s something irresistibly charming about Soft Sugar Cookies. With their pillowy texture and sweet flavor, they evoke memories of childhood baking sessions and family gatherings. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday celebrations, making them a delightful treat for everyone. Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie, and feeling the sweetness melt in your mouth. Now, let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable Soft Sugar Cookies that will surely be a hit.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Soft Sugar Cookies are loved universally for several reasons. First, their tender texture makes them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts, whether you prefer them chewy or cakey. The balance of sweetness is just right—not too overwhelming, allowing for versatile flavor combinations. Additionally, they are incredibly easy to customize, making them suitable for various tastes and occasions. From festive decorations to simple sprinkles, these cookies can be dressed up or down, ensuring they fit any celebration.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start mixing and baking, here’s a detailed shopping list to ensure you have everything you need for these Soft Sugar Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/3 cups (330g) – The base of our cookie dough.
- Cornstarch: 2 Tbsp (19g) – Helps achieve that soft, tender texture.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 tsp – Provides leavening for a light cookie.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 tsp – Works with acids to create a perfect rise.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (224g), softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) – Sweetens the dough.
- Large Egg: 1 – Binds the ingredients together.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120g), full fat – Contributes to moisture and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.
- Almond Extract: 1/4 tsp – Adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups (360g) – For the frosting.
- Half and Half: 3 Tbsp, then more as needed – For a creamy frosting consistency.
Equipment at a Glance
To whip up these Soft Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few key tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless.
- Baking Sheets: For placing and baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes.
- Cooling Rack: For allowing cookies to cool evenly.
Soft Sugar Cookies: How It’s Done
Ready to make your own Soft Sugar Cookies? Follow these simple steps for a crowd-pleasing batch:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Sour Cream
Beat in the large egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the softness of the cookies.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that’s okay! They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, adding more half and half as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles or edible decorations!
Season-by-Season Upgrades
These Soft Sugar Cookies can easily be adapted to fit the seasons. Here are some fun ideas:
- Spring: Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Summer: Incorporate crushed berries into the dough for a fruity twist.
- Fall: Mix in pumpkin spice for a cozy autumn flavor.
- Winter: Top with peppermint extract in the frosting for a holiday vibe.
Problems & Prevention
Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Here’s how to avoid common problems when making Soft Sugar Cookies:
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.
- Cookies Are Dry: Be careful not to overbake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Frosting Too Thin: If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
- Frosting Too Thick: Add a little more half and half to thin it out as needed.
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your Soft Sugar Cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate cookies for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ask & Learn
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add food coloring to your frosting, or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Sprinkles can also add a festive touch!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let it soften slightly before scooping.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk in a pinch. Both will give your cookies moisture and a slightly tangy flavor.
Next Up in Your Queue
If you’re excited about more delightful baking adventures, check out these recipes:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cinnamon Snickerdoodles
- Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookies
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Soft Sugar Cookies, it’s time to indulge! Grab a cookie (or two) and enjoy the fruits of your labor. These cookies are perfect for sharing, but we won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar - In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Egg and Sour Cream - Beat in the large egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the softness of the cookies.
- Step 6: Scoop the Dough - Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.
- Step 7: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that's okay! They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Step 8: Cool - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Make the Frosting - While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, adding more half and half as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 10: Frost and Decorate - Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles or edible decorations!
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Use an electric mixer for fluffy cookie dough.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
