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Close-up of stacked soft crackle butter cookies, showing the sugary coating and the distinctive cracks on the surface.

Soft Crackle Butter Cookies

These soft, buttery cookies bake with a beautiful crackle top and melt-in-your-mouth texture—simple, classic, and irresistible.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
  • additional granulated sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll each dough ball in granulated sugar.
  7. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until tops crackle and edges remain soft.
  9. Cool on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Notes

For extra flavor, roll cookies in a sugar–cinnamon mix or add a hint of almond extract.