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The Ultimate Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe (That Holds Shape for Decorating)

A stack of three golden, crumbly soft sugar cookies dusted with sugar, resting on a white plate.
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Create bakery-style soft sugar cookies that melt in your mouth while still holding their shape perfectly for cutouts and decorating. This easy, no-fail recipe delivers buttery vanilla flavor every time.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 light and fluffy. This step builds the texture.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. In a separate medium 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. Do not overmix the dough.
  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 key 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. Carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. For softer cookies, aim for 8 minutes; the edges should be barely set, and the centers should look slightly underdone.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, decorate with your favorite frosting or enjoy plain for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Notes

  • For the softest cookies, slightly underbake them. They will firm up as they cool.
  • If you plan to decorate heavily, chill the cutouts on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
  • Use room temperature ingredients (except for the chilling step) for the best dough consistency.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/soft-sugar-cookies-ultimate-chewy-recipe/