Ultimate Soft & Buttery Sugar Cookies
These Ultimate Soft & Buttery Sugar Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, with a delightful texture that stays soft and chewy, making them the ideal companion for a cup of tea or coffee. Based on a beloved recipe cherished for over two decades, these cookies boast a rich buttery flavor enriched by the subtle notes of orange and vanilla. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are easy to work with and require minimal fuss. The dough can be chilled and rolled out as needed, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm cookies throughout the week. Add your favorite frosting or decorative sugar to elevate these treats or enjoy them plain for a classic flavor that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Egg
1 (beaten)
All-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (pure)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and egg. Beat at medium speed using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
2
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour, orange juice, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix until the dough is fully incorporated and smooth.
3
Divide the dough into thirds. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, pressing it into a disk shape. Refrigerate the dough for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, keeping the other portions in the refrigerator.
5
Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. If you’re opting not to frost them, sprinkle with decorative sugars for a festive touch.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned. Be sure to monitor them closely to avoid over-baking.
7
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting or decorating as desired.
Nutrition Information
3.9g
Fat
7.8g
Carbs
0.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these sugar cookies unique?
These Ultimate Soft & Buttery Sugar Cookies feature a unique flavor profile with subtle notes of orange and vanilla, and a texture that stays soft and chewy.
How long has this recipe been used?
This recipe is based on a beloved version that has been cherished for over two decades.
What are the main ingredients for the cookie dough?
The main ingredients include butter, sugar, egg, all-purpose flour, orange juice, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
How much butter is needed for this sugar cookie recipe?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter for this recipe.
What is the secret flavor ingredient in these cookies?
The secret to their unique flavor is the addition of 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour for the best results.
How do I start the mixing process?
Begin by beating softened butter, sugar, and one egg at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
Should I chill the sugar cookie dough?
Yes, the dough should be divided into thirds, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated for 2-3 hours until firm.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the cookies.
How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch on a lightly floured surface.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 6 to 10 minutes, monitoring them closely so they do not over-bake.
How do I know when the sugar cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are very lightly browned.
Can I use cookie cutters with this dough?
Yes, this recipe is designed for cut-out cookies; you can use any shape of cookie cutters you desire.
Should the cookie sheets be greased?
No, you should place the cut-out cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
How much space should be between cookies on the sheet?
Place the cookies about 1 inch apart to allow for proper heat circulation.
Can I decorate these cookies without frosting?
Absolutely; you can sprinkle them with decorative sugars before baking for a festive look without frosting.
Is it okay to frost the cookies immediately after baking?
No, you must allow the cookies to cool completely before you begin frosting or decorating.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has about 3.9g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these cookies?
There are 7.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 0.7g of protein.
Can the dough be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dough can be chilled and rolled out as needed, allowing you to bake fresh cookies throughout the week.
What texture can I expect from these cookies?
These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that stays fresh even after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, these are excellent for holiday parties, bake sales, or as festive treats.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need an electric mixer, mixing bowls, cookie cutters, and cookie sheets.
How should I handle the dough while rolling?
Roll out only one disk of dough at a time, keeping the remaining portions in the refrigerator to stay firm.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated white sugar.
Is baking powder necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is used to give the cookies the correct rise and texture.
Are these cookies good with drinks?
Yes, their soft and buttery nature makes them the perfect companion for a cup of tea or coffee.