The Best Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe! These are made with sour cream for a soft, chewy texture. This easy recipe is perfect for any special occasion.
There’s nothing quite like the classic sugar cookie—a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for any celebration. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, especially at Christmastime. I bake these cookies every holiday season, and they’re always the first to disappear! The secret to their incredible texture is sour cream, which makes them soft, fluffy, and completely irresistible.
This recipe yields a lot of cookies, making it perfect for sharing at parties, cookie exchanges, or with family and friends. But if you don’t need a big batch, you can easily halve the recipe for smaller gatherings or just a cozy baking day at home.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The sour cream makes these cookies incredibly tender.
- Perfect for Decorating: They bake light and set without browning, creating a beautiful canvas for frosting and sprinkles.
- Easy to Customize: Roll the dough thicker for soft cookies or thinner if you prefer a crispier bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 to 5 1/2 cups flour
(To halve the recipe, simply divide all ingredients by two.)
Instructions For Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: Dissolve the baking soda in the sour cream and add to the butter mixture.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder, salt, and flour. Use 5 cups of flour initially, adding more as needed for a soft, workable dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and chill the dough overnight for the best texture and easier rolling.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For soft cookies, roll the dough thicker. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 9-11 minutes, just until set. Avoid browning.
- Cool and Decorate: Cool cookies on a wire rack before frosting with your favorite frosting and decorating to your heart’s content.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Batch Size Flexibility: This recipe makes a lot of cookies, so halve it if needed. You’ll still have plenty to enjoy!
- Chill for Success: Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and ensures the dough is easy to roll and cut.
- Watch the Oven: These cookies should be baked just until set—no golden edges needed.
Make It Your Own
This sugar cookie recipe is the perfect blank slate for creativity. Top them with buttercream frosting, royal icing, or powdered sugar glaze. Sprinkle on festive decorations, or keep it simple with a dusting of sanding sugar.
A Family Tradition
These sugar cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a tradition that I’ve cherished for years. The kids have helped me make them over the years and now, they are a staple every Christmas season. I first shared this recipe years ago in a newsletter, and now I’m excited to share it here on the website.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a birthday, or a casual weekend treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home too!
To find even more easy recipes, head over to my Youtube channel HERE.
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