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The Ultimate Soft Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape

Close-up of three stacked, round, soft sugar cookies coated in sparkling sugar.
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You need this dependable recipe for the best soft sugar cookies that stay tender for days while still holding their shape for easy decorating. This method delivers bakery style results every time you bake.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined into a soft dough. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling is crucial for shape retention.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still appear slightly soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, you can frost these melt in your mouth cookies or enjoy them plain.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, avoid overbaking. Pull them out when the edges just begin to set.
  • If you plan to decorate with thick frosting, chill the cutouts on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
  • This recipe makes excellent homemade vanilla cookies perfect for any holiday soft cookies event.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/soft-sugar-cookies-recipe-melt-mouth/