Nothing beats the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked soft sugar cookies filling your kitchen. With their perfectly crisp edges and irresistibly chewy centers, these cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just indulging in a sweet craving, these sugar cookies always hit the spot.
Made with simple pantry staples, this classic recipe delivers bakery-style results without any complicated techniques. The addition of sour cream keeps them ultra-soft, while a touch of vanilla and almond extract enhances their delicate flavor. Enjoy them as they are or decorate with frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. These cookies are known for their delicate, buttery flavor and perfectly soft texture, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
The History of Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies have a long history, tracing back to the 1700s in Europe and later gaining popularity in the United States. The Pennsylvania Dutch are credited with popularizing sugar cookies in America, where they became a staple for holidays and celebrations. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with bakers experimenting with different textures, flavors, and decorating techniques. Today, sugar cookies remain a go-to treat for their versatility and classic appeal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Soft and Chewy Texture – The combination of butter, sugar, and sour cream creates a moist and tender cookie with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Balanced Sweetness – Unlike overly sugary cookies, these have a perfect balance of sweetness, making them ideal for frosting or enjoying plain.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples, this recipe is quick and easy to put together without any fancy equipment or ingredients.
- Customizable – You can add different extracts, mix-ins like chocolate chips, or decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles to fit any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smooth dough and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make the cookies tough rather than soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you want a slightly thicker cookie, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading.
- Don’t Overbake – Remove the cookies when the edges are just starting to turn golden. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Add a Flavor Boost – A touch of almond extract enhances the flavor, but you can also try lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Ways to Enjoy These Cookies
- As-Is – Soft, buttery, and delicious on their own.
- With Frosting – Top with vanilla or cream cheese frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Dipped in Chocolate – Half-dip the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sandwich Cookies – Spread a layer of frosting between two cookies for a fun and tasty dessert.
- Holiday Variations – Use cookie cutters to shape them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any themed event.
What Makes These Sugar Cookies Special?
- Super Soft & Chewy Texture – The addition of sour cream in this recipe ensures the cookies stay soft, moist, and slightly chewy.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – These cookies are sweet but not overpowering, making them ideal for enjoying plain or with toppings.
- Quick and Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Great for Decorating – These cookies hold their shape well and serve as a perfect base for frosting, sprinkles, or glaze.
- Customizable Flavor – Add a hint of almond extract, citrus zest, or cinnamon to create different variations.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Butter – Provides rich flavor and contributes to a soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness while helping create a tender crumb.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- Vanilla & Almond Extract – Enhances the classic sugar cookie flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Sour Cream – Keeps the cookies extra moist and tender.
- Flour – Provides the structure for the dough.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, keeping them soft and fluffy.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Tips for Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and a room-temperature egg help create a smooth dough.
✔ Do Not Overmix – Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense instead of light and chewy.
✔ Flatten the Dough Slightly – Pressing the dough balls slightly before baking ensures even spreading.
✔ Bake Just Until Set – Remove the cookies when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
✔ Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
How to Store & Freeze Sugar Cookies
Storage at Room Temperature:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration:
- These cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks when kept in the fridge.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Freeze cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing the Dough:
- Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Creative Variations
- Frosted Sugar Cookies – Spread a layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting and top with sprinkles.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies – Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-like treat.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies – Add lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Cookies – Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let it set.
- Jam-Filled Cookies – Make an indentation in the dough and fill with a teaspoon of jam before baking.
Perfect Pairings
- Classic Combination: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
- Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a latte or cappuccino for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Dessert Platter: Pair with chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, and brownies for an irresistible cookie assortment.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Can I make these cookies without sour cream?
Yes! You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar soft texture.
💡 Why did my cookies turn out hard?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Make sure to remove them when the edges are just set.
💡 Can I add sprinkles before baking?
Absolutely! Roll the dough balls in sprinkles or press them on top before baking for a festive look.
💡 How do I make thicker cookies?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid pressing the cookies down too much.
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a must-have recipe for any baking enthusiast. Simple yet incredibly satisfying, they offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite! Happy baking! 🍪✨
Conclusion
Soft and chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and always a hit. Their buttery flavor and perfect texture make them ideal for any occasion, whether enjoyed plain or decorated.
This recipe is simple, versatile, and great for both beginners and experienced bakers. With a few tips, like avoiding overbaking and using room-temperature ingredients, you can achieve the perfect cookie every time.
Whether for a holiday, a sweet snack, or a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Happy baking! 🍪💕