Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about soft sugar cookies that brings out the kid in all of us. With their slightly chewy texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, these cookies are a classic that can brighten any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a school event, or just because you want something sweet at home, this recipe is simple yet delightful. I remember the first time I made these cookies—they disappeared within minutes, leaving everyone asking for seconds. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might be wondering, what sets these sugar cookies apart from all the others? First off, they are incredibly soft, thanks to the combination of shortening and butter, which gives them a unique texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various colored sugars or sprinkles to fit any celebration, making them not just a treat but also a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

"These cookies are fantastic! They’re soft, sweet, and definitely a crowd pleaser at my family gatherings." – Sarah, a happy baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

The process of making these soft sugar cookies is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how it works: You’ll start by creaming together your fats and sugars, then mix in your eggs and vanilla. Next, you’ll combine the dry ingredients before bringing everything together into a dough. Finally, it’s all about portioning, rolling, and baking for that golden-brown finish.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up these delicious cookies, you’ll need:

• 0.333 cup colored decorating sugar (choose your favorite shades)
• 0.66666668653488 cup shortening (can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
• 0.66666668653488 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature is key)
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour (or use a gluten-free blend if needed)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

These basic ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your pantry!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all your ingredients.
2. In a stand mixer, beat the shortening and softened butter together until creamy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the white sugar and blend until well incorporated.
4. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract!
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a dough forms.
7. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls, then roll each in colored sugar for an extra pop of color.
8. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Switch racks halfway through for even baking.
10. Remove from the oven and transfer cookies onto wire racks to cool.

Creative Ideas for Plotting, Side Dishes, or Pairings

These soft sugar cookies can be served in a myriad of playful ways! Try pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic duo, or stack them with frosting and make a delightful cookie sandwich. They’re also perfect for dessert trays alongside brownies or fruit tarts, making your dessert spread an absolute hit!

Best Way to Store Soft Sugar Cookies

To keep your soft sugar cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store them for more than a week, consider freezing them: just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be defrosted at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again!

Pro Chef Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a creamier batter and a more tender cookie.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain that soft texture.
3. Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling. This can also help the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Why not try adding different flavors to the batter? You could mix in some lemon or almond extract for a twist, or incorporate a cup of mini chocolate chips for a richer profile. Experimenting with flavored extracts, spices like cinnamon, or even food coloring can lead to exciting new cookie designs!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make soft sugar cookies?

Typically, from prepping the ingredients to baking, it takes about an hour. The actual baking time is quite short, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine. Just make sure it’s non-hydrogenated for the best results!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for a light brown color on the bottoms of the cookies. They may appear slightly soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen cookies?

To thaw frozen cookies, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or you can warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.

Bake these soft sugar cookies today, and you may just find a new family favorite!

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

---

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightfully soft and chewy sugar cookies that bring joy to any occasion, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 0.333 cup colored decorating sugar
• 0.67 cup shortening
• 0.67 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a stand mixer, beat the shortening and softened butter together until creamy (2-3 minutes).
3. Add the white sugar and blend well.
4. Mix in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
7. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and coat with colored sugar.
8. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned on the bottoms.
10. Remove and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness. For long-term storage, freeze for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cookies, sugar cookies, dessert