Why make this recipe
Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their tender texture, combined with a hint of sweetness, makes them perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy day at home. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite frostings and sprinkles. Everyone loves a good cookie, and these soft sugar cookies will surely impress family and friends!
How to make Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened, 1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
Directions:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes soft and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese and continue to beat for an additional minute, until well mixed.
- Next, add the granulated sugar and beat well for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy.
- Crack in the egg, then add vanilla and almond extract. Beat well, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
- Add the salt and flour. Beat until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough tough. The dough will be quite sticky.
- Scrape the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap (or into a ziplock or Tupperware). Wrap tightly and chill in the fridge for 2 hours (or overnight) or in the freezer for 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, split the dough in half to chill faster.
- Once the dough is completely chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line 2-3 baking sheets with Silpat mats or parchment paper, and lightly dust your work surface with flour.
- If you haven’t already, split the dough in half. Keep the part you aren’t using in the fridge.
- Use floured hands to flatten the dough a little, then roll it out with a rolling pin to about 3/8 inch thickness. Aim for thick cookies for the best texture.
- Dust your cookie cutters lightly with flour. Press them firmly into the dough and carefully remove the cookies, wiping away excess dough as needed for clean edges.
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch between each cookie.
- If the cookies have warmed up too much, put the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to chill again.
- Gather any excess dough, knead it together gently, and roll it out again to 3/8 inch thickness. Try not to overwork the dough.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 9 minutes for smaller cookies and 10-11 minutes for larger ones. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should not brown on the tops or edges.
- After baking, let the cookies sit on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a large container and cover until completely cooled.
- Frost the cooled cookies with The BEST Buttercream Frosting for Sugar Cookies or Royal Icing!
How to serve Soft Sugar Cookies
These soft sugar cookies can be served plain or decorated with frosting. They make a great addition to any dessert table and can be paired with drinks like milk, coffee, or tea. For special occasions, add colorful sprinkles or themed decorations to give them a festive touch!
How to store Soft Sugar Cookies
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. Make sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Tips to make Soft Sugar Cookies
- Make sure that your butter and cream cheese are softened. This helps achieve a creamy and fluffy dough.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as that can make the cookies tough.
- For perfectly shaped cookies, keep your dough chilled before cutting.
- Use different cookie cutters for fun shapes, especially around the holidays.
variation
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough for various flavors. Feel free to adjust the extracts as well, using only vanilla, or adding lemon or orange zest for a citrus flair.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge. Just roll and cut the cookies when you’re ready to bake.
3. What is the best frosting to use?
The BEST Buttercream Frosting pairs well with these cookies, but Royal Icing is a great choice if you want a smooth finish.
Soft Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft sugar cookies, perfect for any occasion, with a tender texture and customizable frosting.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened, 1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until soft and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese and continue to beat for an additional minute.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat well for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
- Crack in the egg, then add vanilla and almond extract. Beat well, scraping the bowl with a spatula.
- Add the salt and flour. Beat until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours (or overnight) or in the freezer for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper and dust the work surface with flour.
- Roll out the dough to about 3/8 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets with at least 1 inch space.
- Bake at 350°F for about 9-11 minutes depending on cookie size, avoiding browning.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a container.
- Frost cooled cookies with buttercream frosting or royal icing.
Notes
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
