These Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and simply delightful! They have a light texture that just crumbles as you take a bite, making them hard to resist.
Honestly, I could eat a whole batch in one sitting! They’re super easy to make, and my secret? A sprinkle of extra sugar on top adds a sweet crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter to keep it deliciously creamy.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread. You can swap half for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough. If you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
All-Purpose Flour: Keeping the texture light is essential, so stick to all-purpose flour, but you can try a gluten-free blend if needed.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a wonderful aroma. If you’re out, almond extract can bring a nice twist, just use a little less.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Perfectly Soft?
Soft cookies come from the right mixing technique and baking time. Here’s how to get that texture just right:
- Mix your butter and sugar until fluffy to incorporate air. This step makes cookies rise nicely.
- Keep an eye on your mixing. Stop once the flour is combined to avoid tough cookies.
- When baking, the cookies should look set around the edges while still soft in the center—that’s the sweet spot.
- Lastly, cool them on the baking sheet for a few moments to set before moving them to a rack to prevent breaking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have cookies that are tender and delightful! Enjoy your baking!
Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow a little extra time for cooling. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This makes for easy cleanup!
2. Cream The Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined—you want it nice and smooth!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help prevent clumps in your dough.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you don’t see any more flour!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat them well. This gives them a sweet, crunchy exterior!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them to allow for spreading.
8. Create the Crisscross Pattern:
Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to form a pretty crisscross pattern. This step also helps them bake evenly.
9. Optional Decoration:
If you want a festive touch, sprinkle some colored sugar or plain granulated sugar on top of each cookie before they go into the oven.
10. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set, but the centers are still soft. They will harden a bit as they cool.
11. Cool Down:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy!
Your melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of tea for a delightful treat.
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture. Just be aware that using margarine might slightly alter the taste and texture of your cookies.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
How to Avoid Flat Cookies?
To prevent your cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you find your cookies frequently turn out flat.
Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a fun twist. Just don’t overload the dough—about 1/2 cup of mix-ins is a great balance!
