If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible cookie that strikes the perfect balance between tender and sweet, you have to try this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are unbelievably soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb that feels just right every time. What makes this recipe stand out is the delightful blend of cream cheese and butter, which gives the cookies their signature softness and subtle richness. It’s an absolute delight for cookie lovers who want a treat that’s simple to make but feels special in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in crafting that soft texture and wonderful flavor. From the smooth cream cheese to the aromatic almond extract, every element is essential in creating these perfectly tender cookies.
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened): This adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives the dough a silky texture and a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough while adding a slight richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar flavor that elevates the cookie’s profile.
- 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract: Brings a delicate nutty aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 3 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The base ingredient that provides structure and thickness to your cookies.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Beat Until Fluffy
Start by beating the softened butter on medium speed in a large bowl or stand mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s soft and fluffy. This process incorporates air which is key for that tender, light texture in the finished cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese to the fluffy butter and continue beating for another minute. This step ensures the cream cheese is fully blended, contributing to the cookie’s soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Beat Well
Add granulated sugar to the mixture and beat it vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. The mixture should turn light and fluffy, setting the stage for those tender, soft sugar cookies you love.
Step 4: Mix in Egg, Vanilla, and Almond Extract
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until everything is combined thoroughly. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl with a spatula for even mixing.
Step 5: Add Salt and Flour, Mix Gently
Sprinkle in the salt and flour, then beat lightly until just combined. Take care not to overmix here; too much stirring can make the cookies tough instead of soft. The dough will be quite sticky, which is exactly right for this recipe.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Transfer your dough to plastic wrap, a ziplock bag, or a container and chill it in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up. If short on time, popping it in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours works great too.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper for an easy cookie release and cleanup later.
Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 3/8-inch thickness—thick enough to ensure soft, plush cookies. Flour your cookie cutters and press firmly into the dough. Clean up the edges before transferring shapes carefully onto the baking sheets, spacing them at least an inch apart.
Step 9: Bake Until Just Set
Bake smaller cookies for around 9 minutes and larger ones for 10 to 11 minutes. Watch carefully; the cookies should not brown on top or edges. Bake until just barely golden underneath, ensuring they stay soft and tender.
Step 10: Cool and Frost
Let your cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes out of the oven, then transfer them to an airtight container as they cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to frost them with your favorite buttercream or royal icing for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate these delightful cookies with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Fresh citrus zest or edible flowers can add a fresh, elegant twist perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your soft sugar cookies with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy teatime treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes an indulgent dessert pairing that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with a mix of shapes and colors to brighten up any gathering. Gift them in cute tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon—making memorable, heartfelt presents for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to a week, maintaining that classic tender texture you crave.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment in between layers. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes or microwave them for 10 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and warmth that makes the experience magical.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese in this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Cream cheese adds a unique softness and tang that’s hard to replicate. Substituting it may affect texture and flavor, but you could try Greek yogurt for a similar moisture. Just be aware the cookie won’t be quite the same beloved version!
Why are my sugar cookies not soft?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Bake just until the bottoms are barely golden to keep them tender. Also, chilling the dough properly helps maintain that perfect soft bite.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
This recipe actually uses both! The almond extract brings a lovely nutty note that complements vanilla’s warmth, making the cookies particularly special. You can adjust amounts to taste if you prefer one more than the other.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 3/8 of an inch is ideal—thick enough to ensure the cookies stay soft and do not get crispy edges. Thinner dough can bake faster and lose that tender texture.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! Chilling or freezing the dough helps with cutting clean shapes and results in a better texture. Just thaw slightly to roll and cut if frozen solid.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with the aroma of comfort and sweetness, this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, but yields extraordinary results that will make you smile, bite after bite. Whip up a batch and share the love — these cookies were made to be enjoyed together!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Sugar Cookies are delightfully tender and thick, perfect for frosting or enjoying plain. Made with a blend of butter, cream cheese, and almond extract, they offer a rich, flavorful bite that stays soft and chewy. Chilled dough makes shaping easier, and careful baking ensures cookies remain pale with no crisp edges for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened, 1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large 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 until soft and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the butter and beat for 1 minute until well combined.
- Add Sugar: Add granulated sugar and beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add salt and flour, then beat just until barely combined. Scrape the bowl again to mix. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender; it will be sticky.
- Chill Dough: Transfer dough onto plastic wrap or into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, or freeze for 1-2 hours to firm up the dough.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2-3 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a work surface. Divide dough if not done already, keeping unused dough refrigerated. Flatten dough with floured hands, then roll with a rolling pin to about 3/8 inch thickness for soft, thick cookies.
- Cut Cookies: Flour cookie cutters and press firmly into dough, wiping away excess flour or dough for clean edges. Transfer cut shapes to baking sheet with at least 1 inch spacing.
- Chill Cut Dough: If dough softened while working, chill cut cookies in fridge or freezer briefly before baking to maintain shape.
- Re-roll Dough: Gather scraps, knead gently once or twice to combine, roll out again to 3/8 inch thickness, and continue cutting. Refrigerate dough as needed to keep cool.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in preheated oven for about 9 minutes for smaller cookies and 10-11 minutes for larger ones. Do not allow browning; edges and tops should remain pale with barely browned bottoms.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a large airtight container to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost: Once cooled, frost with your favorite Buttercream Frosting or Royal Icing.
Notes
- Do not overmix dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Chill dough thoroughly to ensure easy handling and maintain thick cookie shape.
- Keep cookie thickness around 3/8 inch for soft, tender texture.
- Use silicone mats or parchment for easy clean-up and even baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should not brown on edges or tops.
- You can freeze dough for faster chilling if short on time.
- Store cooled cookies in airtight containers to maintain softness.
