Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Soft and Chewy – Thanks to sour cream and butter, these cookies have an ultra-soft texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Decorate with frosting and sprinkles for holidays or enjoy them plain for a simple treat.
Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required, just simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1¾ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon lemon or almond extract (optional)
1 cup sour cream
5½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and optional lemon or almond extract. Mix well.
- Stir in the sour cream until combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Roll and Cut:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters, dipping them in flour to prevent sticking.
Bake:
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until edges are just set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting (Optional):
- Once cooled, spread or pipe buttercream frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Chill Time: 1 to 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Sugar Cookie Bars – Press the dough into a greased pan and bake as bars instead of individual cookies.
Holiday-Themed Cookies – Use seasonal cookie cutters and colored frosting to match any occasion.
Drop Cookies – Skip rolling and cutting by scooping the dough directly onto the baking sheet.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator – Frosted cookies should be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing –
- Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before rolling and baking.
- Baked cookies (unfrosted) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper.
Reheating – Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep sugar cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling prevents excessive spreading and enhances the texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works as a substitute.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough?

Lightly flour the surface and rolling pin, and roll to about ¼-inch thickness.

Can I freeze frosted cookies?

Yes, but frosting may smudge. Freeze in a single layer before stacking.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What frosting pairs well with these cookies?

Classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting work best.

Can I add sprinkles before baking?

Yes, press them lightly into the dough before baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from browning too much?

Bake just until the edges are set, and remove before they turn golden.

Conclusion

These soft sugar cookies are a delicious, classic treat that can be enjoyed plain or with frosting. Their light, pillowy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for any celebration or casual indulgence. Try them today for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Soft Sugar Cookies

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These super soft and chewy sugar cookies are bakery-style treats with a fluffy, moist texture. Perfect for holidays and parties, they pair beautifully with buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this sugar cookie recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies
Category: Cookies, Dessert, Holiday Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and optional lemon/almond extract, mixing well.
- Blend in sour cream until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Chill the Dough
- Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Roll and Cut
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Frosting (Optional)
- Once cooled, spread or pipe buttercream frosting on top. Decorate as desired.

Notes

For Extra Softness: Do not overbake—cookies should be just set in the center.
Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frosting Options: Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple powdered sugar glaze.