These Buttery Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat when you're craving something sweet but not too rich. They’re lightly sweetened, soft in texture, and incredibly easy to make—no chilling required! I especially love that they satisfy that sugar cookie craving without being overly sweet or heavy. Whether you're baking for a holiday, party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies come together quickly and are fun to customize. Just switch up the colored sugar sprinkles to match the season or celebration. It’s a simple, delicious sugar cookie recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

These cookies are wonderful ALL YEAR LONG. I just simply change the color of my sprinkles to match the time of year! I like to use a thicker sugar sprinkle. Some call it sanding sugar and some call it decorators sugar.
Looking for another versatile treat that will work with any holiday? Try my Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats.
Ingredients
- butter
- powdered sugar
- granulated sugar
- egg
- vanilla
- flour
- cream of tartar
- baking soda
- sanding sugar
See exact measurements in recipe card below.
Instructions
Combine butter, powdered sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
Add egg and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, cream of tartar and baking soda. Beat until dough is smooth.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in colored sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly (to about ½ inch) with bottom of glass or measuring cup that has a flat bottom. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Do not over bake.
Watch the video below to see the recipe in action!
Tips
Super important not to over bake. Once the cookies are not shiny on top and are just set you will see the edges start to change color. That is time to pull them out!
Roll the entire cookie in the sugar not just the top. It makes for a prettier cookie!
Just press the dough ball slightly so that they are about ½ in thick. Do not press to deeply.
Use parchment paper...not a silicone mat. You can also use just a greased sheet.

Equipment
I always say a well stocked kitchen is the best kitchen! And that goes for kitchen tools! Here is a LINK to some of my go to tools for baking cookies! Take a look and replace something that is worn out in your kitchen today!
FAQ
the mat will make these spread more than they should
nope! but roll in granulated sugar if opting out of the colored sugar.
Cookies Cookies Cookies
Need more inspiration? Try these!
- Valentine M&M Cookie Bars
- Peanut Butter Reese's Hearts Cookies
- Peanut Butter Reese's Christmas Tree Cookies
- Santa's Favorite Cookies
Buttery Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup Decorators or sanding Sugar if using for color
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or greased sheet pans.
- Combine butter, powdered sugar and granulated sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, cream of tartar and baking soda. Beat until dough is smooth. But do NOT over mix!
- Shape dough into 1½ - 2 inch balls, use a medium scoop. Roll in colored sugar if using. Place 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly (to about ½ inch) with bottom of glass or measuring cup that has a flat bottom. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Do Not Overbake.









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