Light Sugar Cookies Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible lightness of these sugar cookies! Adapted from Cooks Illustrated's best light sugar cookie recipe, this recipe delivers perfectly delicate cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Easily customize with optional lemon or almond extracts for extra flavor. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 42 mins
Calories 99.3 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Light Sugar Cookies 22

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Light Sugar Cookies

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How to Make Light Sugar Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Adjust oven racks to the middle position.
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  6. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined (about 30-60 seconds).
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined (about 30-60 seconds). Do not overmix.
  8. Place the remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon, scoop out level tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
  9. Roll the dough balls in the sugar to coat and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 1/2 inches between each cookie.
  10. Bake one baking sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

45g

Fat

8g

Carbs

5g