These Soft and Buttery Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, they’re ideal for holiday celebrations, bake sales, or simply as a comforting snack with a cup of tea. The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich, flavorful cookie that’s soft yet slightly crisp on the edges. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided (1 cup for the dough, 1/2 cup for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Continue mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can affect the texture.
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, then dip the glass into the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and press it onto the cookie dough to add a light sugar coating.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake as you want them to remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the soft, buttery goodness of these sugar cookies!