Soft Sugar Cookies | Homemade Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe

PUBLISHED December 15, 2025· MODIFIED December 15, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1114 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth soft sugar cookies with just the right amount of sweetness, you’re in for a treat! This easy recipe shows you how to make bakery-style sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Treat

Soft & Chewy. Each bite is pillowy soft with a subtle chew.
Easy to Make. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make these cookies beginner-friendly.
Customizable. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion. Great for holidays, parties, or as an everyday sweet treat.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies will quickly become your go-to favorite.

What Do Soft Sugar Cookies Taste Like?

Soft sugar cookies are simply irresistible! Unlike crisp sugar cookies, these are delightfully tender and buttery. Their sweetness is perfectly balanced, and the soft texture pairs wonderfully with a creamy frosting or a simple sprinkle of sugar.

Whether you prefer them plain or decorated, they’re a classic treat everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour- The foundation of the cookies, providing structure and stability while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking Powder- A leavening agent that gives the cookies a slight rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Salt- Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted Butter- Adds a rich, buttery flavor while contributing to the cookies’ soft and tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar- Sweetens the cookies perfectly while helping achieve a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
Egg- Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together, adding moisture and structure.
Vanilla Extract- Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness.
Milk- Ensures the dough is soft, easy to work with, and helps create a moist final texture.

How To Make Soft Sugar Cookies

Prepare the Dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Shape and Bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips And Tricks

Achieving perfectly soft sugar cookies takes attention to the recipe, technique, and baking process. Follow these tips to create delicious, tender cookies every time:

Measure Accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t Skip Chilling. This ensures your cookies don’t spread too much in the oven.
Watch the Bake Time. Soft sugar cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven.
Frosting Fun. Decorate the tops after you bake for a fun and festive family treat!

Variations

Soft sugar cookies are incredibly versatile and can be customized with flavors, colors, and toppings to suit any occasion. Here are some creative variations to elevate your cookie game:

Lemon- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and use lemon juice in the frosting.
Almond- Replace half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Chocolate-Dipped- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
Holiday-Themed- Use seasonal sprinkles or food coloring for a festive touch.

What To Enjoy With Soft Sugar Cookies

Soft sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary beverages, spreads, or accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions for enjoying them:

Warm Beverages– Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa for the ultimate comfort.
Ice Cream– Serve alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Fruit Compote– A tangy fruit topping balances the sweetness of the cookies.

How Long Do They Last?

Soft sugar cookies, when stored properly, can last for several days while maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies typically remain fresh and soft for up to 4–5 days.

To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Can You Freeze Them?

For even longer storage, soft sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.

Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

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