If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that is perfectly tender, a little cakey, and melts in your mouth with every bite, then this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the classic simplicity of sugar cookies, these treats are irresistibly soft and super flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these soft sugar cookies will become your new favorite go-to recipe because they strike just the right balance between sweet, soft, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in giving these cookies their signature softness, delightful flavor, and beautiful texture. From the tang of cream cheese to the smoothness of almond extract, every element works together harmoniously in this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and creamy texture, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Brings moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to create a delicate crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure without toughness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, familiar sweetness that enhances all flavors.
- 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty aroma that makes these cookies extra special.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled): Creates the perfect dough consistency to hold the soft texture.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by beating the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes soft and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it traps air, giving the cookies a light texture.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
Next, add the softened cream cheese and continue beating for another minute. The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that brings moisture and softness to the dough, making these cookies stand out.
Step 3: Incorporate Sugar
Pour in the sugar and beat well for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and light. This sweetness is the backbone of the cookie and also helps create a tender crumb.
Step 4: Mix in Egg and Extracts
Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, then beat again until everything is fully combined. Be sure to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom to make sure the flavor and texture are consistent throughout.
Step 5: Combine with Flour and Salt
Finally, add the salt and flour, beating just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here because too much stirring can make the cookies tough. The dough will be a little sticky, which is exactly right for this soft cookie.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Transfer your dough onto plastic wrap, cover tightly, and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, freezing for 1 to 2 hours works great too. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and makes the cookies thicker and softer once baked.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
When ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the dough to about 3/8 inch thick—thick for that soft center!
Step 8: Cut and Bake the Cookies
Use floured cookie cutters to press shapes into the dough, being careful to keep edges clean for a beautiful finish. Bake in batches, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart, then bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The key is to avoid browning; the cookies should be just barely golden on the bottom for perfect softness.
Step 9: Cool and Frost
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a container to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost them with your favorite buttercream or royal icing for a festive or personalized touch.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling your soft sugar cookies with colored sugar crystals, a dusting of powdered sugar, or delicate edible flowers can turn them into eye-catching treats. These simple additions add a lovely sparkle or a gentle floral note without overpowering the buttery flavors.
Side Dishes
Pairing soft sugar cookies with a cup of rich hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or even a fresh fruit salad offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and freshness. These combinations make snack time feel cozy and special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack these cookies in a pretty tin or arrange them on a festive platter with colorful napkins. You can also sandwich them with jam or frosting for a delightful twist that will wow your guests and loved ones alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soft sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying a little treat anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Alternatively, wrap unbaked dough tightly for up to 3 months. This makes having fresh soft sugar cookies on hand a breeze.
Reheating
To warm up your cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes. This will bring back their soft, just-baked texture and make them taste irresistible all over again.
FAQs
Can I use all butter instead of butter and cream cheese?
While you can, the cream cheese is what makes these sugar cookies extra soft and tender, so the texture might be less delicate if you omit it. It’s highly recommended to keep the cream cheese for the signature softness.
Why should I chill the dough?
Chilling helps solidify the fats, making the dough easier to handle and giving the cookies a thicker, softer texture once baked. It also prevents spreading, so your cookies keep their shape beautifully.
Can I decorate the cookies before baking?
For this recipe, it’s best to bake the cookies first and decorate once they’re cooled. Decorating before baking can cause colors to spread or fade due to the baking heat.
How do I keep the cookies so soft and not crispy?
Avoid overbaking and keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. The minute the edges start to brown is already too long. Also, don’t skimp on the cream cheese—it plays a big role in softness.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Absolutely! While the almond and vanilla extracts are wonderful, feel free to experiment with a touch of cinnamon, lemon zest, or even a splash of orange extract to switch up the flavor profile and customize your Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you want to bake today. It’s simple, rewarding, and guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready for a batch of cookies that will bring joy to every bite.
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender and fluffy texture thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese. Slightly thick at about 3/8 inch, these cookies are perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating with buttercream frosting or royal icing. The dough is chilled for optimal softness and easy handling, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth cookies that never brown on the edges or tops.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough 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 extract
- 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Instructions
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until soft and fluffy.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the butter and beat for an additional minute until well combined and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Beat in the granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Salt and Flour: Add the salt and flour, beating just until barely combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough dough. The dough should be sticky.
- Chill Dough: Transfer dough onto plastic wrap or into an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight) or freeze for 1-2 hours to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) once the dough is fully chilled.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2-3 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper for non-stick baking.
- Flour Work Surface: Lightly dust your rolling surface with flour to prevent sticking when rolling out dough.
- Divide Dough: Split dough in half if not done prior. Keep unused dough refrigerated to stay cool.
- Roll Dough: Using floured hands and a rolling pin, gently roll dough to approximately 3/8 inch thickness. Keep thickness consistent for soft, thick cookies.
- Cut Shapes: Dust cookie cutters lightly with flour, press firmly into dough, wipe edges clean for crisp shapes, then transfer cut cookies onto baking sheets with about 1 inch spacing.
- Chill Cut Cookies: If cookie dough softens, chill baking sheets in fridge or freezer for a few minutes before baking.
- Re-roll Excess Dough: Gather scraps, knead minimally, roll out again to desired thickness, and continue cutting. Refrigerate dough as needed to maintain chill.
- Bake: Bake cookies at 350°F for 9 minutes for smaller shapes and 10-11 minutes for larger shapes. Avoid browning; cookies should be barely golden on the bottom.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on pan for 5 minutes then transfer to covered containers or tupperware to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost: Decorate cooled cookies with your choice of buttercream frosting or royal icing for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Chilling the dough is essential for thick, easy-to-cut cookies that hold their shape well.
- Keep the cookies thick (about 3/8 inch) for the soft texture that sets this recipe apart.
- Avoid browning the cookies to maintain their softness; bake until just barely golden on the bottom.
- If in a hurry, splitting dough into smaller portions helps it chill faster.
- Use floured hands and cutters to avoid sticking and to get clean-edged shapes.
- Store baked cookies in a covered container to keep them soft.
- Suitable for decorating with both buttercream and royal icing depending on preference.
