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Easy Sugar Puff Cookies Recipe: Soft, Buttery Cookies Rolled in Sugar

Easy Sugar Puff Cookies

Soft, buttery sugar cookies rolled in granulated sugar before baking for a lightly crisp outside and tender, puffy center. This recipe makes about 36 cookies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 36 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (300 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For Rolling
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Granulated sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
  4. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it feels sticky or difficult to handle.
  5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in the remaining granulated sugar.
  6. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten them very slightly if desired.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove the cookies before the centers become fully firm.
  8. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

Use softened rather than melted butter for the best texture. For more pronounced puffing, chill the shaped dough balls for 15–20 minutes before baking. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.