Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies | Food For Your Good!

Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies arranged on parchment paper over a marble surface — Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies – light, buttery, and ready to melt in your mouth

If there’s one recipe every home baker needs in their back pocket, it’s these Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies. Lightly crisp at the edges, melt-in-your-mouth tender in the center, and infused with just a hint of almond, they’re everything a sugar cookie should be—and more. Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or cozy weekend afternoons, this classic treat always delivers.

Even better, the dough comes together in one bowl without chilling (unless you want ultra-clean edges). With everyday pantry ingredients, you can whip these up on a whim—and trust us, you’ll want to. And just like that, a simple batch becomes a sweet tradition.

Interestingly, sugar cookies date back to 1700s Pennsylvania, where German settlers created a buttery, simple treat now beloved across the U.S. Their timelessness is proof—sometimes the simplest recipes are the most cherished.

So go ahead and bake up a batch of love. These cookies are soft, golden, sweet, and impossible to resist.

Recipe Yield: 28 cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
¼ tsp fine sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale—about 2–3 minutes. This ensures a smooth, creamy base.

3. Add egg and extracts:
Crack in the egg, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat until fully incorporated and silky.

4. Combine the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth but not sticky.

5. Shape and flatten:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each ball.

6. Bake to perfection:
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden but the centers remain pale. Do not overbake—soft centers are key!

7. Cool and enjoy:
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: sprinkle with sparkling sugar while still warm for a beautiful finish.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Chill for Cleaner Edges: If you prefer sharper edges, refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before baking. This helps cookies keep their shape.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Customize the Flavor: While almond extract adds that “bakery” note, you can swap it with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.

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