Hey fellow busy moms! Juliette here, from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. How many of you feel like you’re constantly searching for that one recipe? The one that’s simple, satisfying, and doesn’t require a million ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Well, stop the search party, because I’ve got it: the soft sugar cookie!

I remember the first time I attempted a soft sugar cookie. My oldest was turning five, and I was determined to make a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy birthday treat. Let’s just say, the reality was far from picture-perfect. The cookies were hard as rocks, and my son politely asked if they were “supposed to be frisbees.” 🤣 But, I refused to give up. After several (ahem, many) attempts, I finally landed on the most amazing soft sugar cookie recipe ever.

These aren’t your average sugar bombs. I sneak in a few nutritious additions that the kids don’t even notice, making it a sanity-saving win for everyone. These soft sugar cookies are a staple now! It is a nutrition win because the kids feel like they’re getting a treat, and I know they’re getting something a little more wholesome than pure sugar.

My journey to the perfect soft sugar cookie wasn’t just about taste. I wanted something that supported our family’s wellness. After all, what good is a cookie if it leaves you feeling sluggish and guilty? We focus on simple nutrition in my house, and this soft sugar cookie recipe had to fit the bill!

For fellow busy moms seeking simple nutrition without the overwhelm, this recipe is for you. I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the smiles on your family’s faces will be worth every minute. Let’s bake some soft sugar cookies!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need for these amazing soft sugar cookie treats. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the base for our cookies. I sometimes use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which also adds a subtle sweetness.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Of course, we need sugar for soft sugar cookies! You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
½ cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar adds to the soft texture of these cookies.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together. I always opt for free-range eggs for that extra boost of nutrients.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skip the vanilla! It enhances all the other flavors. For a fun twist, try almond extract. This soft sugar cookie nutrition hack adds a whole new level.
½ teaspoon almond extract: Don’t be afraid to play with different flavors. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store!
3 cups all-purpose flour: Flour gives the soft sugar cookie its structure. I’ve experimented with whole wheat flour, but the texture changes.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder helps the cookies rise and become perfectly soft.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda also contributes to the soft texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

This soft sugar cookie proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, and these ingredients are easy to find! My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough. You won’t even taste it, but it’s packed with goodness. Also, a touch of cinnamon really elevates these vanilla sugar cookies, while adding anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients for soft sugar cookies, including butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, arranged on a marble surface.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to get baking? These step-by-step instructions will guide you through creating the perfect soft sugar cookie. Here’s where I used to struggle with my soft sugar cookie – learn from my experience!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This is key for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious soft sugar cookie usually takes about 10 minutes to prepare!
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure the butter is soft enough.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Your soft sugar cookie should smell nourishing by now.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake! The soft sugar cookie should still be soft in the center.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade soft sugar cookie!

Don’t worry if your soft sugar cookie looks a little imperfect. That’s part of the charm! While your soft sugar cookie is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family.

For a fun variation, try rolling the dough into balls and then rolling them in colored sprinkles before baking. Kids love this! If you want to get fancy, you can use cookie cutters to make cut out sugar cookies and decorate them with frosting.

You can also find more ideas in these posts, Homemade Soft Peanut Butter Cookies and Sugar Cookies!

How We Love to Eat This!

These soft sugar cookies are incredibly versatile. The kids devour this nutritious soft sugar cookie when I serve it with a glass of milk or a side of fresh fruit. It’s also a fun after-school snack that provides a little energy boost without being overly sugary.

This soft sugar cookie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast. I often pack them in school lunches as a special treat. For a healthier twist, I pair them with a side of yogurt and berries.

For parties, I love arranging these vanilla sugar cookies on a platter with other homemade goodies. Presentation is key! A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate can make them look extra special. These chewy sugar cookies are always a hit!

Leftovers? If there are any, I like to crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a quick and easy dessert. You can also freeze the dough for later use. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

During the holidays, I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive touch. The warm spices complement the sweetness of the cookie beautifully. And for a truly decadent treat, try adding a layer of cream cheese frosting! For cream cheese frosting ideas check out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies – Sugar Spun Run.

My family also loves these soft sugar cookies when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm and cold, soft and creamy. Everyone who has tried my soft sugar cookie recipe has raved about it! I made them for a friend who said, “These taste just like the cookies my grandmother used to make, but healthier!”

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about this soft sugar cookie recipe.

Is this soft sugar cookie really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While it’s still a treat, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients and can be easily customized to include even more nutrients. I often add flaxseed meal or whole wheat flour for extra fiber and omega-3s. Remember that even a small dose of joy goes a long way to feeding your family!

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy soft sugar cookie?

I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Start by letting them help you make the cookies. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also add a fun topping, like sprinkles or chocolate chips, to make them more appealing. You might also try cutting them out with cookie cutters to make it more fun. These are definitely tasty cut out sugar cookies.

Can I meal prep this soft sugar cookie for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

I haven’t experimented with sugar substitutes in this particular recipe. But, if you decide to try it, be sure to use a 1:1 substitute.

Are these soft sugar cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may be slightly different.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Of course! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these cookies. You can use any kind of chocolate chips you like.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is not too soft. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.

Final Thoughts:

These soft sugar cookies have become a family favorite. They’re simple to make, delicious, and can be easily adapted to suit your family’s needs. It is a fantastic option for an easy sugar cookie recipe. They support my family’s nutrition goals because they’re a treat that doesn’t compromise our health!

My soft sugar cookie Nutrition Hacks:

Add flaxseed meal: Boosts omega-3s and fiber without changing the taste.
Use coconut oil: Dairy-free option with a subtle sweetness.
Sneak in cinnamon: Adds anti-inflammatory benefits and flavor.

Here are some family-tested healthy soft sugar cookie variations:

Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
Cinnamon sugar: Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Cream cheese frosting: For a truly decadent treat, and there are a lot of recipes available on the internet, here is one from Facebook – Recipe for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies for Christmas and here is another Classic Cream Cheese Cutout Cookies | Alexandra’s Kitchen.

My oldest loves the cinnamon sugar version, while my youngest prefers the classic vanilla sugar cookies. I encourage you to make it your own healthy way! Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find what your family loves best.

These chewy sugar cookies are a great addition to any baking repertoire!

I hope you enjoy this nourishing soft sugar cookie as much as we do. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to feeding your family well without the stress. You’ve got this!

soft sugar cookie

Print Recipe

These soft sugar cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfect for any occasion. Their delicate sweetness and soft texture make them irresistible.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a festive touch, decorate the cooled cookies with frosting and sprinkles!