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Here is the detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to make soft sugar cookies: - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon fine salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional) - ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect soft sugar cookie. The flour gives structure, while the butter adds richness and flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cookies rise and stay soft. Salt enhances the sweetness, and the sugars provide that lovely sweetness we crave. You can choose to add almond extract for a nice twist, but it's not required. The powdered sugar is essential for that snowy, sweet finish. Gather these ingredients before you start. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. Enjoy the sweet journey to your soft sugar cookies! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. 2. Prepare two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking. 1. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Use 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon fine salt. Whisk them together until mixed well. 2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes. You want the mixture to be fluffy and light. 3. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract (if using) to the mix. Stir on low speed until everything blends together. Scrape down the bowl as needed. 1. Gradually mix the dry and wet ingredients together. Do this on low speed until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might not be soft. 2. Take a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll each piece into a smooth ball using your hands. 3. Roll each dough ball in ½ cup of powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look pretty. 1. Place the cookies on the baking sheets with space between them. This helps them spread while baking. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for slight golden edges while keeping the centers soft. 3. Once done, take them out and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. To get soft sugar cookies, start with soft butter. When your butter is soft, it mixes easily and helps keep cookies fluffy. Cold butter will make your cookies hard and dense. Next, avoid overmixing your dough. When you mix too much, cookies can turn tough. Mix just until the flour disappears. This keeps your cookies light and soft. Adjust your baking time for the best results. Bake cookies until the edges are slightly golden, but the centers should look pale and soft. This way, they stay chewy inside. If you bake too long, they become hard. For serving, stack your cookies on a pretty plate. This makes a lovely display. You can also lightly dust them with more powdered sugar for a charming touch. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. This adds color and makes your cookies look fancy. Guests will love the sweet surprise! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even softer cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can result in flat cookies that don’t rise properly. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should come out of the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft; they will continue to set as they cool. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a unique twist on these classic sugar cookies! {{image_4}} You can make soft sugar cookies even more exciting by adding fun flavors. Here are two easy ideas: - Adding citrus zest: Grate some lemon or orange peel into your dough. This gives your cookies a fresh, zesty kick that brightens up their taste. - Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts: Add a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough. This will add texture and make your cookies even more delicious. These flavor tweaks are simple. They let you create cookies that fit any mood or occasion. Changing your cookies for holidays can be fun and creative. Here are two great ways to do this: - Festive colors with food dye: Divide your dough into portions. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion. You can make vibrant red, green, or any color you like. This adds a festive touch that everyone will enjoy. - Decorating for special occasions: Use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate your cookies. This makes them stand out at parties or family gatherings. You can even shape them into holiday symbols like stars or hearts. These ideas help you celebrate special times while enjoying tasty treats. To keep your soft sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy. You can layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. At room temperature, your cookies will last about five days. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just remember to seal them well to avoid drying out. Enjoy your cookies at their best! How do I make my sugar cookies less dense? To make your cookies lighter, use room-temperature butter. Soft butter mixes better with sugar. This helps add air. Also, measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon and level method. Overpacking flour leads to dense cookies. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? Yes, you can! For a dairy-free option, use margarine or vegan butter. If you lack almond extract, just use vanilla. You can also swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar. This will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. What can I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough is sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands while shaping. Just be careful not to add too much flour. Why did my cookies spread too much? If your cookies spread, it may be due to warm dough. Make sure to chill it before baking. Also, check your oven temperature. An oven that runs hot can cause cookies to spread too. How can I fix cookies that are too hard? If your cookies are hard, you may have overbaked them. Keep an eye on the baking time next time. To soften hard cookies, place them in a container with a slice of bread. The bread adds moisture back to the cookies. We explored the ingredients needed for soft sugar cookies, along with each step from mixing to baking. I shared tips to keep your cookies soft and tasty. We also discussed fun variations for every occasion and how to store them for freshness. In conclusion, these cookies are not just a treat; they can spark joy at any gathering. Enjoy making these special cookies and get creative with your flavors and decorations!

Cloud-Soft Sugar Cookies

Deliciously soft and fluffy sugar cookies rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended, and set the bowl aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  • Crack the egg into the butter and sugar mixture, then add the pure vanilla extract and the almond extract (if you choose to use it). Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
  • Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms.
  • Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to create a sweet, snowy coating. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is adequate space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
  • Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for slight golden edges while ensuring the centers remain soft and puffy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a delightful visual appeal, stack the cookies on a beautifully decorated plate, lightly dust them with additional powdered sugar, and garnish with small edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Keyword cookies, dessert, sugar cookies