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Soft Sugar Cookies

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These sugar cookies are soft, fluffy, and delicious with or without frosting. They’re a favorite for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a classic treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream

For the Frosting (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk (to thin)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cookies:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
    • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
  6. Shape the Cookies:
    • Use a cookie scoop or roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffy. Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale.
  8. Cool:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting (Optional):

  1. Prepare the Frosting:
    • Beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk if needed for desired consistency.
  2. Decorate:
    • Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies. Add food coloring and sprinkles if desired.



Notes

  • For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • These cookies freeze well (with or without frosting) for up to 2 months.