These Paradise Bakery sugar cookies are the epitome of sweet indulgence. They have the perfect balance of soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers and crispy edges. And guess what? They’re just like you remember them.

Their subtle sweetness, accentuated by a hint of vanilla and a touch of sea salt, creates their familiar flavor. The secret ingredient, shortening, lends to their uniquely tender crumb and unmistakable, light, fluffy texture that we all know and love.

The Magic of Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies

Paradise Bakery sugar cookies are beloved for their distinct combination of flavors and textures. The secret to their success lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and meticulous preparation. Let’s break down what makes these cookies truly unique and so, so delicious.

Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between being soft and slightly crispy. They have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. The edges have a slight crispness, while the centers remain soft and chewy.

Flavor: Paradise Bakery sugar cookies are sweet without being overwhelmingly so. They have a classic sugar cookie taste, with just a hint of vanilla. The little bit of salt enhances their overall taste by providing a delicate contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies

Now, let’s explore how you can recreate these memorable cookies at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 1/3 cups cake flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 cups shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

The Simple Process

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue mixing for another minute until the egg is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches and mix until just blended. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
6. Using a 4 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Then, roll each ball in sugar and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are at least 2 inches apart. Carefully flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
7. Bake the cookies for 9 minutes at 375 degrees.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why is Shortening Used in This Recipe?

You might be wondering why the recipe calls for shortening instead of butter (or a combination of the two). Shortening is used to achieve that distinct texture and flavor that Paradise Bakery sugar cookies are known for.

While butter can create a slightly different taste and texture in cookies, shortening helps maintain a tender crumb while offering a fluffier and lighter result. It also allows the cookies to hold their shape and spread less during baking, contributing to that characteristic flat, cracked edge appearance.

Cake Flour, There’s a Reason Why You Need it for These Cookies

Using cake flour in cookies is a baking secret that can elevate the texture and crumb of your baked goods. Unlike all-purpose flour, cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a more delicate and tender crumb.

When incorporated into cookie recipes, cake flour contributes to a finer texture, making the cookies softer and lighter. It also helps reduce gluten development, preventing cookies from becoming tough and dense.

This is particularly desirable in recipes where you’re aiming for a melt-in-your-mouth quality (like these cookies!), as it allows the cookies to retain a wonderful softness.

Well my friends, there you have it – the best copy-cat recipe for the nostalgic Paradise Bakery sugar cookies. I’m so happy we can all enjoy these cookies in our own kitchens whenever we want to now. Don’t be surprised if these sugar cookies become a regular addition to your holiday baking (or your all year baking), as they have for me. You really can’t beat them.