Soft & Sweet: Golden Vanilla Sugar Cookies

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These melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies balance a delicate vanilla flavor with a hint of buttery richness. They whip up in a flash and bring a comforting sweetness to any occasion—be it a lazy afternoon tea or a last-minute bake sale. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, tempting aroma of sugar cookie goodness!

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Ingredients

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  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and helps create the cookie’s characteristic lightness.

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In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—usually about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and blend again until everything is fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent a floury mess, until a soft dough forms.

Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space around each cookie so they can spread as they bake. If you want an extra decorative touch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top. Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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These Soft & Sweet: Golden Vanilla Sugar Cookies deliver a classic flavor that’s easy to love. They’re perfect for home bakers at all experience levels—whether you’re brand-new to cookie making or a seasoned pro looking for a no-fuss treat. Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of almond extract, a swirl of melted chocolate, or colorful sprinkles to match any holiday or party theme. Thanks to their simple list of ingredients and relatively short bake time, they also make a lovely option for times when you need a quick dessert that everyone will adore. Enjoy every sweet crumb!

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.