Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for the ultimate Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe that combines tender, buttery richness with a delightfully soft texture, then you’re in the right place! This recipe is a personal favorite because it yields thick, fluffy cookies that practically melt in your mouth, with just the right hint of almond and vanilla to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just want to treat yourself to a nostalgic sweetness, these soft sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in making these cookies irresistibly soft, flavorful, and perfectly thick.

• Salted butter (3/4 cup or 1 and 1/2 sticks): Brings richness and moisture that create a tender crumb.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds an extra layer of softness and subtle tang, making the cookies wonderfully moist.
• Granulated sugar (1 and 1/2 cups): Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s tender texture when beaten well.
• Egg (1): Binds the dough and provides structure without drying out the cookies.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, familiar flavor that complements the almond perfectly.
• Almond extract (1 and 3/4 teaspoons): Delivers a delicate, nutty aroma that makes these cookies stand out.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Flour (3 cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation of the dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies soft when handled gently.

How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating the softened salted butter in a large bowl or your stand mixer on medium speed until it’s soft and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This aeration creates the light texture you want in your cookies.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese

Next, add the softened cream cheese and continue beating for another minute until thoroughly incorporated. This step is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth softness that defines this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Step 3: Beat in Sugar

Mix in the granulated sugar and beat well for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy. The sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the airy texture by capturing air bubbles during mixing.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts

Add the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts, beating until everything is well combined. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing and prevent pockets of dry ingredients.

Step 5: Add Salt and Flour

Sprinkle in the salt and flour, then beat just until everything is barely combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as overworking the dough can make your cookies tough. Expect a slightly sticky dough—that’s perfect!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap and cover tightly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight, or freeze for 1 to 2 hours if you’re short on time. Chilling firms the dough so it’s easier to roll and cut without losing that lovely thickness.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and hands before working with the dough to avoid sticking.

Step 8: Roll and Cut Cookies

Divide the dough for easier handling, flatten with your hands, and gently roll it out to about 3/8 inch thickness—thick cookies are the goal here, so no rolling too thin! Flour your cookie cutters and press firmly into the dough, wiping away excess flour from edges to get clean shapes.

Step 9: Chill Shaped Cookies

Arrange the cut dough on baking sheets, spacing cookies about an inch apart. If the dough warms while working, pop your sheet in the fridge or freezer a few minutes to keep everything cool.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake smaller cookies for about 9 minutes and larger ones around 10 to 11 minutes. Resist the urge to overbake—there should be no browning on top and barely some golden on the cookie bottoms. This ensures that pillowy softness you crave.

Step 11: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to an airtight container until completely cooled. Then, feel free to frost with your favorite buttercream or royal icing to elevate these treats.

How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Your Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe truly shines with a simple, colorful touch. Sprinkle them with sanding sugar before baking, or add decorative sprinkles or edible glitter on top of frosting to brighten any occasion. Fresh lemon zest or finely chopped nuts also add delightful texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like a classic cup of tea, creamy hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee. For a special brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into personalized gifts by stacking and tying them with a festive ribbon or placing them in clear cookie boxes with decorated liners. For parties, create a cookie decorating station where guests can frost and sprinkle their own, making the experience as fun as the eating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Soft Sugar Cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed maintains their softness and prevents drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh even days after baking.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Once baked, freeze cookies individually wrapped and stored in an airtight container to preserve that homemade taste and texture.

Reheating

To revive the soft texture after freezing, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brief heat refreshes the cookies, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular butter for salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter; just add a pinch more salt to the dough to maintain balanced flavor in this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Why is my cookie dough sticky?

The dough’s stickiness comes from the cream cheese and the careful handling of flour. This is normal for this recipe and helps keep the cookies tender and soft after baking.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll it to about 3/8 inch thick. Thicker dough ensures soft, thick cookies rather than crispy or flat ones.

Can I freeze the cookie dough after shaping?

Absolutely! Freezing shaped cookies before baking helps preserve their shape and texture. Just place on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

What frosting works best with these soft sugar cookies?

A classic buttercream or royal icing complements these cookies beautifully, adding sweetness and decorative potential without overpowering their delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves soft, thick, and flavorful cookies with a little almond twist. Baking them is as rewarding as eating them, and the smiles you’ll get from sharing these beauties make every step worth it. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and make your kitchen smell like sweet happiness!

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