Soft Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. With their tender texture and delicate sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Decorate them with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain—they’re always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet.
- Versatile for decorating with frosting, glazes, or sprinkles.
- Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday snacking.
- Stays soft for days when stored properly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture, beating until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with frosting, glaze, or sprinkles if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze flavored with vanilla or almond extract.
- Holiday-Themed: Add food coloring to the dough or decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a fresh flavor.
- Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature or bake frozen dough directly, adding an extra minute to the bake time.
- Reheating: Microwave cookies for 10–15 seconds to restore their softness.
FAQs
Why are my sugar cookies not soft?
Overbaking can make sugar cookies dry and firm. Remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly underbaked—they’ll set as they cool.
Can I skip the sour cream?
Sour cream is key to the soft texture, but you can substitute it with yogurt or buttermilk in a pinch.
Can I roll out this dough for cutout cookies?
This recipe is best for drop cookies. For cutout sugar cookies, use a sturdier dough recipe designed for rolling.
How do I keep the cookies soft for days?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before baking.
What’s the best frosting for sugar cookies?
Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple powdered sugar glaze all work wonderfully.
Can I add sprinkles to the dough?
Yes! Fold sprinkles into the dough for a funfetti-style cookie.
How do I ensure even-sized cookies?
Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Soft Sugar Cookies are a timeless favorite that’s as delicious as they are easy to make. Whether you enjoy them plain or with creative decorations, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whip up a batch and share them with family and friends—these soft, buttery cookies are sure to delight everyone!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These sugar cookies are soft, fluffy, and delicious with or without frosting. They’re a favorite for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a classic treat!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (to thin)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffy. Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting (Optional):
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Decorate:
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies. Add food coloring and sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well (with or without frosting) for up to 2 months.