These Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies are super soft and sweet with a delightful buttery flavor. They practically disappear in your mouth in a single bite!
Whenever I make these cookies, my friends and family can’t get enough. They love how easy they are to make, and I love how fast they go off the plate! Who can resist a cookie like that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best option here to control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but the flavor might not be as rich.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies their classic sweetness. Brown sugar can be used for a hint of molasses flavor, but it changes the texture slightly.
Egg: The egg adds moisture and structure. If you need an egg substitute, try 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a gluten-free option, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for stability!
Decoration: Colored sugar sprinkles are optional, and you can choose fun shapes like stars or hearts if you’d like to give them a festive look.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Your Cookies?
To achieve those melt-in-your-mouth cookies, focus on the creaming method. Creaming butter and sugar well incorporates air into the mixture, making cookies light and tender.
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. It should be smooth when whipped.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too soft; this helps prevent spreading during baking.
Keep an eye on the baking time. Take them out when they’re just set at the edges; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Decoration (Optional):
- Colored sugar sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to bake. Make sure to allocate some extra time for the cookies to cool before enjoying them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for that soft texture!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a smooth batter.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening for perfect cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix, as you want the dough to stay soft and tender.
6. Form the Cookie Balls:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. It’s helpful to have your hands lightly floured if the dough sticks a bit!
7. Coat in Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat it fully. This gives a beautiful, sweet finish to the cookies.
8. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little as they bake.
9. Flatten the Dough Balls:
Using the bottom of a glass or your palm, gently press each dough ball down to flatten them slightly.
10. Sprinkle for Extra Fun:
If you like, sprinkle some colored sugar on top of each cookie for an added touch of festivity!
11. Baking Time:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. You want them to be just barely golden.
12. Cooling Off:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while they cool!
Enjoy your delicious, soft, buttery Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Can I Use Cold Butter Instead of Softened Butter?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe as it helps create a light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar. If you forgot to soften it, you can cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
What Happens If I Overmix the Dough?
Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until you see no flour streaks left. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, ensuring a tender final cookie.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months!
