Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe for the Classic Holiday Treat

A soft sugar cookie recipe is perfect for anyone who wants cookies that stay tender and chewy. This recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps, making it great even for beginners.

Ingredients:

- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light, smooth, and creamy.

3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture looks fluffy.

4. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. T

5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until the dough comes together.

6. Pour in the milk to help soften the dough. Mix until the dough feels smooth and easy to shape.

7. Scoop small dough balls using a spoon or cookie scoop and place them on the baking tray.

8. Gently press the top of each dough ball with your fingers to slightly flatten it.

9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges look set but not brown.

10. Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then move them to a rack to cool completely before decorating.

You can still enjoy a soft sugar cookie recipe even if you follow a vegan lifestyle. This vegan version uses plant-based ingredients but still keeps the cookies soft and delicious.

Ingredients:

- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup vegan butter, softened

- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

- 3 tablespoons plant-based milk

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix the plant milk and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture works like an egg to help the cookies hold their shape.

3. In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and sugar until creamy and well mixed.

4. Add the vanilla extract and the milk-cornstarch mixture. Continue mixing until everything blends smoothly.

5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

7. Shape the dough into small balls and place them evenly on the baking tray.

8. Lightly press the tops to flatten. 

9. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges appear set. The cookies should stay pale for a soft texture.

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack. Let them cool completely before adding icing.

This icing is simple and works well with any soft sugar cookie recipe. It dries smooth and shiny, making your cookies look clean and pretty.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1–2 tablespoons milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl and break up any lumps so the icing becomes smooth.

2. Pour in the milk slowly while stirring. Add more milk as needed until the icing becomes shiny and spreadable.

3. Add the vanilla extract and mix again so the flavor spreads evenly.

4. For different colors, divide the icing into small bowls and add a few drops of food coloring. Stir until the color is even.

5. Spread or drizzle the icing onto the cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Work slowly to keep the surface smooth.

6. Let the icing dry completely before storing the cookies.

These tips will help you get better results from any soft sugar cookie recipe.

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making the cookies hold their shape better and preventing them from spreading too much while baking.

2. Use Room-Temperature Butter: Soft butter blends more easily with sugar, helping the dough mix smoothly and creating a tender cookie texture without lumps.

3. Avoid Overbaking: Remove the cookies when the edges look set but still pale. Overbaking makes them dry instead of soft and chewy.

4. Make Even-Sized Balls: Rolling the dough into even-sized balls ensures all cookies bake at the same speed and come out evenly cooked every time.

5. Add Almond Extract: A small amount of almond extract gives the cookies a gentle, sweet aroma that enhances their flavor without overpowering the vanilla.

6. Press Gently: Pressing the dough lightly helps shape the cookies evenly, giving them a clean, round look and helping them bake more consistently.

7. Shape for Thickness: If you want thicker cookies, form the dough into taller shapes instead of wide ones to keep them soft in the center.

8. Use Parchment Paper: Lining the tray with parchment prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly on the bottom.