Soft Sugar Cookies with Decorative Sugar Recipe
These Soft Sugar Cookies are delightfully tender and flavored with vanilla, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Featuring a rich blend of shortening and butter for a soft texture, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion needing a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Decorating
- ⅓ cup colored decorating sugar
Main Ingredients
- ⅔ cup shortening
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie transfer and cleanup.
- Cream fats and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, softened butter, and white sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create the soft texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in the colored decorating sugar until fully coated.
- Place on baking sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Softening the butter before mixing is essential for proper texture and consistency.
- Colored decorating sugar adds a festive touch but can be omitted or replaced with granulated sugar.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, increase baking time by a minute or two but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: soft sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, decorated sugar cookies, chewy sugar cookies