Vanessa’s Soft Sugar Cookie Base
Vanessa's Soft Sugar Cookie Base
This recipe was originally inspired by Adriana from TikTok (@adrianassweetlife). Be sure to follow her for more amazing cookie inspiration! This is Vanessa’s personal adaptation of her snickerdoodle base, transformed into a soft sugar cookie.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt).
- Combine dry and wet ingredients gradually.
- Mix until a soft, uniform dough forms it should be slightly sticky but hold shape.
- Chill dough for 15–30 minutes for best texture (optional but helps prevent spreading).
- Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet
- Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for even baking
- Bake 9–11 minutes, just until edges are set and tops look pale and puffy (they’ll finish baking on the sheet).
- Cool on the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
Texture Notes
- Cornstarch keeps them tender and soft.
- Baking soda + powder gives light lift without puffing too much.
- For chewier cookies, replace ¼ cup of granulated sugar with more brown sugar.
- For cakier cookies, add 1 extra tablespoon of flour and chill dough longer
- Roll tops in coarse sugar before baking for sparkle.
- Frost with vanilla buttercream (1 cup butter, 2½ cups powdered sugar, 1½ tsp vanilla, 1–2 tbsp milk).
- Add sprinkles, lemon zest, or dip half in white chocolate for variations.
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