Classic sugar cookies are often loaded with sodium from salted butter and baking soda. This version keeps the flavor rich but heart-friendly by using unsalted butter and sodium-free leavening. The dough rolls easily, holds its shape for cut-outs, and bakes into soft, lightly sweet cookies ready for decorating.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened: provides rich flavor and tender texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: sweetens and helps cookies hold shape.
- 2 large eggs: binds dough and adds moisture.
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract: warm, aromatic flavor.
- 4 teaspoons sodium-free baking powder: gentle lift without added sodium.
- 6 cups all-purpose flour: structure for rolling and cutting cookies.
How To Make Low Sodium Sugar Cookies
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar for 3 minutes until fluffy.
Add Eggs & Flavoring:
Mix in eggs, vanilla, and sodium-free baking powder. Beat until smooth and combined.
Incorporate Flour:
Gradually add flour, 2 cups at a time, mixing well between additions until dough forms. If too crumbly, add 1 tablespoon water or extra vanilla.
Roll & Cut Dough:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Roll dough to ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes.
Bake & Cool:
Place cookies on prepared sheets. Bake 8–12 minutes until bottoms are just golden (edges should not brown). Cool completely before icing or decorating.

Recipe Tips
- Chill dough 30 minutes if too soft to roll easily.
- Avoid overbaking for soft cookies; edges should stay pale.
- Use natural food coloring or low sodium icing for decorating.
- Store plain cookies and decorate just before serving for freshness.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store airtight up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Keep decorated cookies up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze plain cookies up to 2 months; thaw and decorate after defrosting.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 216
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fibre: 0 g
- Sugar: 14 g
FAQs
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
They bake soft and tender; slightly longer bake makes them crispier.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before rolling.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, use 1½ cups sugar for less sweetness without affecting structure.
Try More Recipes:
- Low Sodium Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Low Sodium Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Low Sodium Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Low Sodium Sugar Cookies Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy36
servings10
minutes12
minutes216
kcalButtery, soft sugar cookies made with unsalted butter and sodium-free baking powder — perfect for decorating and heart-healthy baking.
Ingredients
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp vanilla extract
4 tsp sodium-free baking powder
6 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- Beat butter and sugar 3 minutes until creamy.
- Mix in eggs, vanilla, and sodium-free baking powder.
- Add flour gradually until dough is firm but not dry.
- Roll to ½ inch thickness and cut shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 8–12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool completely; decorate if desired.
