There is something truly magical about biting into a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe. The blend of rich butter, smooth cream cheese, and hints of vanilla and almond makes every bite an irresistible little cloud of sweetness. These cookies stay soft and thick, never crisp or crumbly, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re decorating them for the holidays or enjoying a simple afternoon snack, this Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is a timeless favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these soft sugar cookies is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of staple ingredients that each play a unique role. From the creamy texture imparted by cream cheese to the subtle fragrance from almond extract, every ingredient is carefully chosen to make this recipe a standout.
- Salted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides moisture and a delightful soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 & 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough while helping with structure and browning.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a warm, familiar aroma.
- Almond extract (1 & 3/4 teaspoons): Gives a distinct, nutty twist that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Flour (3 cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation of the dough, crucial for the perfect dough consistency.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter Until Fluffy
Start by beating the salted butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. This step is key because fluffy butter means your cookies will have an airy, tender texture once baked.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Next, add the softened cream cheese and beat for another minute until fully combined. The cream cheese keeps these cookies moist and soft, setting them apart from typical sugar cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar
Adding the granulated sugar and beating for 1-2 minutes until fluffy ensures the sugar is well distributed, giving your cookies that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts. This combination brings both moisture and aromatic flavor, making each bite more complex and comforting.
Step 5: Blend in Salt and Flour
Add salt and flour gradually, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here—too much stirring will toughen the dough, robbing your cookies of their signature softness.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 3/8 inch thick—this thickness is crucial for keeping these cookies wonderfully thick and soft. Use floured cookie cutters and press firmly to get clean shapes.
Step 9: Chill Cut Cookies Before Baking
If your cookies have warmed up while shaping, pop the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. Keeping them cold helps maintain their shape during baking.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake smaller cookies for about 9 minutes and larger ones for 10-11 minutes. Watch closely so they do not brown on top or edges—baking until barely golden underneath will keep them beautifully soft.
Step 11: Cool and Frost
Let your cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to an airtight container. Once completely cooled, bring them to life with your favorite buttercream or royal icing for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar dusting, colorful sprinkles, or a smooth layer of buttercream frosting can make these soft treats extra festive and eye-catching. Crushed nuts or edible glitter are fun touches for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your Soft Sugar Cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a soothing tea. These combos highlight the cookies’ sweetness and give a cozy, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal elements like fresh berries, mint leaves, or cinnamon sticks. Another idea is to sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a delightful twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. They typically stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
Soft Sugar Cookies freeze wonderfully. Keep them in a sealed bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you want a sweet treat, thaw them gently at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the softness, warm cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven. This step revives that fresh-baked feeling that makes these cookies so special.
FAQs
Can I use all butter instead of cream cheese?
While you can substitute all butter, cream cheese is key to achieving the signature softness and tender crumb of this recipe. Without it, the cookies will likely be firmer and less moist.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Sticky dough is normal for this recipe. Just flour your hands and work surface lightly when rolling and cutting. If it’s too difficult, chill the dough longer to make it easier to handle.
Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Regular all-purpose flour is best for structure and texture. Almond flour will change the consistency significantly and may lead to cookies that don’t hold their shape or have a crumbly texture.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking and shaping each batch ensures the cookies keep their thick shape and don’t flatten out in the oven.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
Yes! If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or replace with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract. However, the almond flavor adds a lovely depth that complements the sugar cookie base.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves soft, thick, and flavorful cookies. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always bring smiles around the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create wonderful memories with the delicious results.
