Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

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These sugar cookies with powdered sugar are a game-changer for your dessert table. Soft, buttery, and coated in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, they practically melt in your mouth. Each bite is sweet, tender, and has that classic nostalgic flavor with a fun pop of colorful sprinkles—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need a cheerful treat.

What sets these apart from your average sugar cookie? It’s the use of powdered sugar in the dough. This one simple switch delivers a softer, finer crumb and a smoother texture, giving these cookies their signature cloud-like bite. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want something sweet with your coffee, these cookies are sure to win hearts.

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Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Powdered Sugar?

Technically, yes—but it won’t be the same. Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) has a finer grind and typically contains a bit of cornstarch, which adds to the cookie’s delicate structure. Using granulated sugar would make the cookies crisper and less melt-in-your-mouth.

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Ingredients for the Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar: This is the secret to ultra-soft, tender cookies. It blends smoothly into the dough and gives a light, sweet flavor.

Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness and that irresistible buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Egg: One large egg helps bind everything together and adds a little chew to the texture.

Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that gives warmth and sweetness to the dough.

All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of the cookies. Regular AP flour keeps the cookies tender but still sturdy enough to hold their shape.

Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar: These two leavening agents help the cookies puff slightly and stay soft.

Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness.

Sprinkles (optional): For festive flair and a bit of texture!

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How To Make the Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles (Optional)

If you’re adding sprinkles to the dough, gently fold them in now for a festive touch.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each ball in extra powdered sugar before placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should still look soft.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy once fully cooled (or while still a little warm for extra gooeyness!).

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These powdered sugar cookies are perfect served just as they are—soft, sweet, and slightly chewy with a dusting of sugar that melts on your tongue. For an extra festive touch, serve them with a mug of hot cocoa, or arrange them on a holiday cookie tray with other colorful treats.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sugar cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.

What happens if I skip chilling the dough?

If you don’t chill the dough, the cookies may spread too much in the oven and lose their shape. Chilling helps maintain thickness and texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to keep the balance of flavors right.

Why are my cookies turning out dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can dry out the cookies. Be sure to measure flour accurately and remove cookies from the oven when the centers still look soft.

Do I have to roll them in powdered sugar before baking?

Not necessarily, but it adds that signature soft, snowy look and a little extra sweetness. You can skip it or substitute with granulated sugar if preferred.

Can I decorate these with icing?

Yes! They’re a great base cookie for light icing or drizzled chocolate if you want to dress them up.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you adore these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies with powdered sugar, you’ll probably want to try these other delightful creations next:

• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for a nutty twist on a soft cookie bar.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you’re short on time but big on citrus flavor.
• Cotton Candy Cookies for a dreamy, whimsical treat.
• Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to bring a bold fruity surprise.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for another ultra-soft cookie experience.

Each recipe adds a little flair to your baking list—whether you’re craving colorful fun or rich, buttery bliss.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add the sprinkles or skip them? Any flavor tweaks?

I love seeing how you personalize each bake. Don’t be shy—ask questions, share your tips, and inspire others to make it their own.

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