Golden Vanilla Soft Cookies

Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth vanilla cookies

Golden Vanilla Soft Cookies are the kind of classic treat that never goes out of style. Lightly crisp around the edges and wonderfully soft in the center, these cookies are rich with real butter and fragrant vanilla. They’re simple to make, require everyday pantry ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion—from tea time to celebrations, lunchboxes, or gifting.

These cookies bake up beautifully golden with a delicate crumb that melts as soon as you take a bite. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with sugar, or decorated with icing, they’re always a hit 😋

📝 Ingredients

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

👩‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Line two baking trays with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale (about 2–3 minutes).
This step is very important—it helps create soft, tender cookies.

3️⃣ Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.

4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

This ensures even distribution and a perfect rise.

5️⃣ Bring Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix gently just until combined.
Do not overmix, or the cookies may become dense instead of soft.

6️⃣ Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Roll lightly into balls and place on the baking tray, leaving space between each.
Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

7️⃣ Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:

Edges are lightly golden
Centers look soft and slightly underbaked

The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

8️⃣ Cool

Allow cookies to rest on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

✨ Tips for Ultra-Soft Cookies

✔️ Use room-temperature butter and eggs
✔️ Do not overbake—soft centers are key
✔️ Chill dough for 20 minutes if you want thicker cookies
✔️ Measure flour correctly (spoon & level)