Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, "The Best Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies" are a timeless treat that will win over every cookie lover. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, creamy butter, and a hint of pure vanilla extract, these cookies boast a perfect balance of sweetness and a subtly crisp edge. A touch of cream of tartar adds their signature tender chew, while an optional roll in granulated sugar lends a delightful sparkle and texture. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake at 375°F, these sugar cookies are ideal for holiday baking, afternoon snacks, or anytime indulgence. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate nostalgic dessert experience!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Do not overmix.
If desired, fill a small shallow bowl with the optional granulated sugar for rolling.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball of dough in your hands to smooth it, then roll in the granulated sugar if using.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked for a soft texture.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite warm beverage!
Calories |
4381 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 200.1 g | 257% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.6 g | 618% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 703 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 1961 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 613.8 g | 223% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 360.7 g | ||
| Protein | 42.4 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 724 mg | 15% | |
*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.