Old-Time Soft Sugar Cookie

Prep: 70 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Old-Time Soft Sugar Cookies offer a tender, buttery texture with hints of vanilla and caramel from brown sugar, perfect for nostalgic treats and holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
  3. Mix in egg, then the buttermilk and vanilla.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
  6. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  7. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  8. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of the cookie dough.
  9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes or until set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter or adding a pinch of nutmeg. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to chill the dough well; this helps achieve a softer texture. Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a delicious variation, reminiscent of Chocolatey Chip Cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions

These soft sugar cookies are perfect for serving with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple glaze. They pair beautifully with desserts like Cheesecake Divine or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Great for gatherings, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Time Soft Sugar Cookie contains roughly 137 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

137 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 28.5g 10% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 119.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 80.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 13.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 27.8mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour in this recipe. However, for a lighter texture, consider sifting the all-purpose flour before measuring. This helps to aerate the flour and can result in a softer cookie.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking. You can also incorporate seasonal flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a holiday twist. Pairing them with a festive drink will enhance the celebration.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. You can also lightly flour your hands and the work surface while shaping the cookies. If the dough remains unmanageable, adding a bit more flour gradually can help achieve a better consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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