Golden-crisp on the outside and tenderly soft on the inside, Crackled Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for lovers of classic, no-frills desserts. These stunning cookies feature a rich buttery flavor enhanced by a touch of vanilla and their signature crackled tops glistening with a sparkling sugar coating. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy bakers looking for a quick yet impressive treat. The dough comes together effortlessly with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda, creating a perfectly chewy texture. Ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or an everyday indulgence, these cookies stay fresh for days when stored properly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these Crackled Sugar Cookies deliver a mouthwatering balance of simplicity and elegance with every bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out 1-tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Roll each ball of dough in the extra granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed slightly and cracked on top. Do not overbake—they should still look soft in the centers.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Calories |
4426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.7 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.5 g | 618% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 703 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 2550 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 632.4 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 402.2 g | ||
| Protein | 39.3 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 121 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 956 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.