Soft Sugar Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the buttery sweetness of these Soft Sugar Cookies, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations with kids. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies can be easily decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a festive treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Bake up a batch and watch as they become the highlight of your holiday festivities!
Delight in the buttery sweetness of these Soft Sugar Cookies, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations with kids. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies can be easily decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a festive treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Bake up a batch and watch as they become the highlight of your holiday festivities!
Why You Will Love These Cookies
- Buttery and soft texture
- Easy to decorate with icing and sprinkles
- Perfect treat for family gatherings
- Kids will enjoy making and eating them
Cookie Crafting Made Easy
Making soft sugar cookies is a delightful experience that brings family and friends together in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats. The process of creaming butter and sugar, followed by mixing in the remaining ingredients, is not only straightforward but also fun. Kids will enjoy helping with tasks like scooping dough and adding colorful decorations, making it a perfect activity for family bonding.
One of the wonderful aspects of sugar cookies is their versatility. Once baked, their plain yet delightful base is a perfect canvas for any theme or occasion. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or a birthday, the kids can participate in decorating the cookies with different icings and sprinkles, turning each cookie into a unique masterpiece. This creativity boosts their excitement while giving parents a chance to engage in a memorable kitchen activity.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These soft sugar cookies are not only a hit during Thanksgiving but can also be served at birthday parties, school events, and holiday gatherings. Their sweet, buttery flavor appeals to both children and adults, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. You can even personalize the cookies according to the occasion, such as using red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for spring celebrations.
In addition to being flavorful and fun to decorate, soft sugar cookies also store well. If you find yourself with an abundance of cookies after a big event, you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Just place the decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. This makes it easy to indulge your sweet cravings anytime or surprise your loved ones with a homemade treat when unexpected guests drop by.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Icing (any color)
- Sprinkles
Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Shape Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Enjoy your delicious Soft Sugar Cookies!
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect soft texture, ensure that your butter is properly softened before starting. This means it should be soft enough to easily indent but not melted. Over-mixing the dough can also lead to tough cookies, so mix it just until combined for the best results. Additionally, using an ice cream scoop for uniform cookie sizes will help them bake evenly, giving them that desirable soft center.
When baking, keeping a close eye during the final minutes is crucial. Every oven varies, and cookies can transition from perfect to overbaked in moments. Ideally, the edges should be lightly golden while the centers appear slightly underbaked—that’s the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Creative Decoration Ideas
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to unleash your creativity with icing and sprinkles. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can create a sleek finish, while royal icing adds an elegant shine when it’s fully dried. For a colorful touch, consider using gel food coloring in your icing; this helps you achieve vibrant shades that stand out beautifully against the cookie base.
For additional flair, you can experiment with various decorations apart from traditional sprinkles. Edible glitter, chocolate chips, or themed cake toppers can bring a festive vibe to your cookies. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that everyone can contribute their creative ideas, resulting in a delightful assortment that showcases each person’s personality.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
→ How can I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Soft Sugar Cookies
Delight in the buttery sweetness of these Soft Sugar Cookies, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations with kids. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies can be easily decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a festive treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Bake up a batch and watch as they become the highlight of your holiday festivities!
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Icing (any color)
- Sprinkles
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Sugars: 10g