Soft Sugar Cookies

Table of Contents

There’s a specific magic that fills my kitchen when I bake a batch of soft sugar cookies. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, curling around pearls of warmth from the oven like an inviting hug. My love affair with sugar cookies began years ago with a simple recipe whispered from my grandmother’s kitchen. We’d spend rainy afternoons crafting edible art, our laughter mixing with the sound of sprinkle-covered dough plopping on baking sheets. The gentle crunch and chewy center evoke memories of comfortable nostalgia, making these cookies irresistible. Trust me, a bite of these cookies is like a piece of sunshine on a wintry day, and I’m excited to share this delightful treat with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of mixing, these cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
• Quick to Bake: You’ll be savoring your sweet treats in about 20 minutes—talk about a speedy dessert!
• Soft and Chewy: Each cookie boasts a soft, pillowy texture that hugs your taste buds with every bite.
• Customizable: From colorful sprinkles to delightful flavor variations, you can make these cookies your own!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients

• cup colored decorating sugar
  A sprinkle of fun! This will add a lovely finish to your cookies that’s as delightful to see as it is to eat.

• cup shortening
  Shortening helps achieve that soft texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth. Trust me, you’ll love it!

• cup unsalted butter, softened
  Softened butter brings a rich flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar—yum!

• 1.5 cups white sugar
  This is where the sweetness comes from! Sugar will not only sweeten the cookies but also help create that lovely chewy texture.

• 2 large eggs
  Eggs bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness. You’ll want to use large ones for the best results!

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  The magic of vanilla creates that comforting, warm aroma which is simply irresistible.

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  The foundation of our cookies—flour gives them structure. Make sure to measure correctly for the best results!

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  This little helper gives your cookies that fluffy lift; we want soft, not dense!

• 1 teaspoon salt
  A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Gather Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grab a bowl for your colorful decorating sugar—because why not have a little fun?

Cream the Butter and Shortening

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the shortening and softened butter until you have a smooth and creamy consistency, lasting about 2 to 3 minutes. The delightful aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, so take a moment to inhale that happiness! Then, mix in the sugar until it’s all beautifully incorporated.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Now it’s time to make this batter even more scrumptious! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly pour in your vanilla extract. Oh, that sweet scent of vanilla is heavenly!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to your creamy wet ingredients, mixing until everything is perfectly combined and the dough starts to come together like a happy family in the bowl.

Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls. Get ready for some fun! Roll each ball in the colorful sugar to coat, and then place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Just looking at those bright colors will spark joy!

Bake Away!

Pop those cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake until the bottoms are light brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember, switch the racks halfway through baking for even temperatures! Once they come out, let them cool on wire racks for a minute, and then you can jump right into enjoying those scrumptious cookies!

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and make shaping the balls easier.
• Experiment with Sprinkle Colors: Use seasonal or themed colors to make the cookies festive for any occasion!
• Watch Closely: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix a little cinnamon into the sugar for a warm, spiced touch.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for a cookie that’s just a tad more decadent.
• Seasonal Sprinkles: Opt for Halloween shapes, pastel colors for spring, or red and green for the holidays. Let your creativity flow!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm on a colorful platter. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, freshly brewed coffee, or even a cozy cup of tea. Try stacking them high for a stunning presentation—a delicious tower of joy!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the dough a day in advance! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cookies will stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. They’ll be just as delicious when you grab one for an afternoon treat!

Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), you can crumble them over ice cream or blend them into a milkshake for a sweet twist!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be as good as new!

Reheating

For the best experience, warm the cookies in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that delightful fresh-baked softness. The microwave works too—just be careful not to dry them out!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that margarine might change the flavor and texture slightly.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.

What can I use instead of shortening?
You can use all butter instead, just keep the texture in mind—it may affect the chewiness!

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for an extra layer of flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Baking brings such warmth to our homes and hearts, and these soft sugar cookies are a perfect way to spread that love. So get cozy in the kitchen, roll up those sleeves, and create cookies that are bound to become cherished memories for you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a sunny day, there’s always a good reason to bake. Happy baking, my dear friends! ❤️