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A close-up of a stack of the best soft sugar cookies, perfectly baked and unadorned.

Classic Best Soft Sugar Cookies

These classic soft sugar cookies are incredibly tender and have a delightful sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-plepleaser.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large bowl
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled

Additional Ingredients

  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.

Baking

  • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract to the dough. You can also decorate these cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar once cooled.