These Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies are soft and buttery, making them a sweet treat for any occasion. They practically disappear the moment you place them on the table!
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that feels like a hug? I always save some for my friends, but let’s be real, I usually end up eating them all myself! 😅
What I love most is how quick they are to whip up. Just mix, scoop, and bake—easy peasy! Perfect for when you need a little sweetness in your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main building block for the cookies, giving them structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, which often contains a blend of flours and starches.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture. Be sure your baking powder is fresh for best results—check the expiration date!
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If you’re out, you can use salted butter, just cut back slightly on the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them to be tender. You can replace some sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but your cookies will be a bit denser.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use applesauce.
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: These add delicious flavor. You could substitute with other extracts like lemon or coconut for a different twist, but I love the classic vanilla and almond combo for these cookies!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture starts with your mixing method. When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for fluffy and light. This step is key in creating air pockets that make the cookies soft.
- Keep your butter soft, but not melted, to mix well with sugar.
- Don’t overmix once you’ve added the flour; mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
- Watch the baking time! Pull the cookies out when the edges set but the center looks a touch underbaked; they will firm as they cool.
These steps will help ensure your cookies are delightfully soft and melt-in-your-mouth every time!
Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
For Decoration (Optional):
- White icing or royal icing
- Colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. After mixing the dough, you’ll have freshly baked cookies ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture adds structure and helps your cookies rise. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The fluffiness will add a lovely texture to your cookies!
4. Add Egg and Extracts:
Carefully beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures that your cookies won’t be tough!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough and roll it into balls that are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a delightful sparkle and extra crunch.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball gently with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain soft. Be cautious not to overbake—this is key to keeping them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate Your Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to get creative! Decorate them with white icing or royal icing. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top for a fun, festive look!
11. Store and Enjoy:
Let the icing set before serving or storing your cookies. Keep them in an airtight container to ensure they stay soft and fresh. Enjoy these buttery, tender sugar cookies whenever you need a delightful treat!
Happy baking! These cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix. Just make sure it’s designed for cookies, as this will help maintain the right texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze rolled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. These options will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist!