Soft Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Bake Time: 11–12 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Category: Dessert
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Notes After Making
Add
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Ingredients
- 1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (80 g) rainbow sprinkles, plus additional for topping, optional
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Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed, if using. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. If desired, gently press the tops into additional sprinkles.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 days.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Arrange the chilled dough balls 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still appear soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Jessica’s Notes
Prep Ahead:
- Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 days before baking.
- Dough balls may be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezer-Friendly:
- Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- Use seasonal sprinkles for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
- Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and decorate with additional sprinkles.
- Top with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra festive finish.
