Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft sugar cookies are thick, tender cookies rolled in sugar to add a sweet, crunchy crust. The perfect cookie for year round, and a classic to add to your holiday cookie tray.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a large bowl, add room temperature butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy, about a minute.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir dry ingredients into butter mixture (or use a mixer on low speed) until just combined.

Step 3

Cover bowl and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Refrigerating allows time for flavors to meld and also creates a firmer dough that's easy to roll into balls.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 5

Remove dough from refrigerator. Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop or shape by hand into 1.5 tablespoon balls. Gently roll dough balls in granulated sugar.

Step 6

Place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. As is, dough balls bake into thick, rounded top cookies (as shown in photos). Optionally, flatten balls slightly using your hands or the bottom of a glass dusted with flour. This creates a flatter top and helps cookies spread more.

Step 7

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until tops look set and edges barely begin to brown. Allow to cool until for 2 to 3 minutes (or until tray is cool enough to handle) before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.