Cozy Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

My homemade Soft Sugar Cookies recipe captures that beloved bakery texture without any of the artificial preservatives.

I use a specific secret ingredient to ensure every batch stays tender and moist for days.

What Makes These Soft Sugar Cookies a Keeper

You know those bright pink frosted treats at the grocery store that everyone secretly loves? I recreated that magic at home, but with real butter and vanilla for a vastly superior flavor profile.

The dough comes together quickly and holds its shape perfectly when baked, so you don’t end up with spreading blobs.

Whether you are baking for a holiday party or just a Tuesday night craving, this recipe delivers consistent results.

If you enjoyed this sweet treat, you’ll want to try my Cozy Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe next. For another comforting classic, the Hearty Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe delivers the same heartwarming flavors.

Gathering Your Soft Sugar Cookies Ingredients

Here’s what you need to get started:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie structure; measure correctly by spooning and leveling.
• Cornstarch: My secret addition to give the cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the butter flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams perfectly with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough without making it heavy.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
• Sour cream: The key ingredient for moisture and that signature soft, cake-like texture (use full-fat).
• Vanilla & Almond extracts: A blend of these two extracts gives that classic bakery flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting for a silky smooth finish.
• Half and half: Thins the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.

My Method for Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies

Let’s get baking!

1. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl for about 20 seconds.
2. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until the mixture is well blended and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, then blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
4. Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 20 minutes of chilling time.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into your desired shapes (rounds or hearts work best).
8. Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 9-11 minutes until the Soft Sugar Cookies are just nearly set (do not over-bake).
9. Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, then frost once completely cool.

My Best Tips for Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies

Measuring your flour correctly is the most critical step in this entire process to avoid dry results.

I always recommend using full-fat sour cream because it adds the necessary richness to these Soft Sugar Cookies.

Be careful not to over-bake these, as they should look pale and just barely set when you pull them from the oven.

Best Ways to Enjoy Soft Sugar Cookies

I love arranging these on a festive platter for Valentine’s Day or Christmas gatherings.

They taste even better the next day once the frosting has had time to soften the top of the Soft Sugar Cookies.