Learned it from My Mom

  • Recipes
  • About Misty
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Misty
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Misty
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Desserts

Buttery Soft Sugar Cookies

Updated: Jun 4, 2025 · Published: Jul 30, 2024 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

↓ Jump to Recipe

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!

Close-up of a soft sugar cookie topped with colorful sprinkles.
Buttery soft sugar cookie with festive sprinkles.

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.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Tips
  • Equipment
  • FAQ
  • Cookies Cookies Cookies

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.

A platter of sugar cookies topped with red and blue sprinkles.
Easy sugar cookies—perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking.

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

Why can't I use a silicone mat?

the mat will make these spread more than they should

Do I have to use colored sugar?

nope! but roll in granulated sugar if opting out of the colored sugar.

Cookies Cookies Cookies

Need more inspiration? Try these!

  • Close-up of a chewy corner piece of Valentine M&M Cookie Bars loaded with chocolate chips and M&M candies.
    Valentine M&M Cookie Bars
  • Peanut Butter Reese’s Heart Cookies stacked on a red plate with a bag of Reese’s heart candies in the background.
    Peanut Butter Reese's Hearts Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Reese’s Christmas Tree Cookies arranged neatly on a festive red plate.
    Peanut Butter Reese's Christmas Tree Cookies
  • Santa’s Favorite Cookies arranged on a wooden Christmas tree platter decorated with M&Ms and chocolate chunks.
    Santa's Favorite Cookies
See more Cookies →

A close-up of buttery soft sugar cookies, with patriotic sugar
Print Recipe

Buttery Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these sugar cookies are a treat for any occasion. With a crisp edge and chewy center, they’re simple to make and irresistible to eat!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time8 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 4th of july, sugar cookies
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 93kcal
Author: Misty Tannery - www.learneditfrommymom.com

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.

Notes

Be sure and watch my video on my blog to see all the tips!
www.learneditfrommymom.com

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.4mg

  • Stack of rich, creamy Classic Fantasy Fudge on a red pedestal plate, showing smooth chocolate layers from the side.
    Classic Fantasy Fudge
  • Chocolate marshmallow Pilgrim hats in front of a colorful and festive Thanksgiving backdrop.
    Pilgrim Hats
  • Halloween Reeses peanut butter cookies topped with Reese’s pumpkins arranged on a white platter surrounded by festive Halloween decor.
    Halloween Reeses Cookies
  • Close-up of stacked Halloween Oreo bark on an orange pedestal with Oreos in front.
    Halloween Oreo Bark

Comments

No Comments

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Misty Tannery-Learned it from My Mom Profile

Thank you for being here! I’m a home cook and food blogger sharing easy, delicious recipes made with love—just like my mom taught me! From quick weeknight dinners to sweet Southern desserts, I post new recipes daily to keep your kitchen inspired. Follow for family favorites, holiday treats, and everyday meals you’ll actually want to make!

More About Me ->

Featured Recipe

Peanut butter cookie with a chocolate heart center displayed on a pink stand with more cookies surrounding it
Soft peanut butter cookies with a chocolate heart center, perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.

Footer

↑ back to top

Contact Misty
Privacy Policy

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Learned it from My Mom