If there’s one dessert that never fails to bring a smile—on a hectic Tuesday, during holiday chaos, or when life just feels extra—it’s Soft Sugar Cookies. And when I say soft, I mean the kind of pillowy goodness that makes you close your eyes for a second because wow… that’s good.
These Soft Sugar Cookies are everything we busy women dream about in a dessert: quick prep, simple ingredients, and that nostalgic, bakery-style flavor without actually having to leave the house. Even better? They hold their shape beautifully. No more sad cookie blobs pretending to be stars or snowflakes.
As someone who leans heavily on low-maintenance comfort baking (hi, I’m Mounia—your slow cooking, air frying, stress-saving kitchen friend!), this recipe hits every sweet spot. They’re perfect for school parties, holiday cookie platters, or those evenings when you just want to bake something cozy with the kids.
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Why You’ll Love These Soft Sugar Cookies
Let’s be real: we all need a few go-to recipes that feel like a warm hug. And Soft Sugar Cookies do exactly that. Here’s what makes them a keeper:
- The texture is unreal. Thanks to cream cheese (yes, the secret ingredient!), the cookies are tender, rich, and soft for days.
- They hold their shape. Go wild with the cookie cutters—you’ll actually get crisp edges that don’t puff into mystery shapes.
- Perfect for decorating. Whether you prefer buttercream frosting or royal icing, these cookies play nice with both.
- Kid-approved, adult-approved, picky-eater-approved. Enough said.
- Great make-ahead treat. You can refrigerate or freeze the dough, making this a lifesaver when your schedule feels like a tumble dryer.
When I was testing this recipe, I made one batch on a week when life felt like one giant to-do list. These cookies were the highlight of my day…and also breakfast the next morning. (No regrets.)
Ingredients for the Softest Sugar Cookies Ever
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these Soft Sugar Cookies to life:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
Simple pantry staples + cream cheese magic = cookie perfection.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
These steps walk you through the process in a clear, easy way—because baking shouldn’t feel like trying to solve a mystery novel.
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese
Beat the softened butter for 1–2 minutes until fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat another minute.
This step is where that dreamy texture begins, so don’t rush it.
2. Add sugar and whip until light and fluffy
Beat in the sugar for another 1–2 minutes. Your mix should look soft, airy, and irresistible—try not to eat it yet.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract
Mix well and scrape down the bowl. Almond extract is what gives these Soft Sugar Cookies that classic “bakery sugar cookie” aroma.
4. Add dry ingredients gently
Mix in salt and flour until just combined. Overmixing is the enemy of soft cookies, so keep it light.
5. Chill the dough
The dough will be sticky—that’s normal!
Transfer to plastic wrap or an airtight container and chill at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
If you’re in a rush, divide it into two portions so it chills faster.
6. Prepare your baking area
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Dust your workspace lightly with flour.
7. Roll and cut
Roll dough to about 3/8 inch thick—thicker cookies = softer cookies.
Dust cookie cutters with flour for clean edges.
Place shapes on your baking sheet, leaving an inch between each cookie.
If your dough warms up while cutting, pop the tray into the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough helps maintain shape while baking.
8. Bake to perfection
Bake smaller cookies for about 9 minutes, or 10–11 minutes for larger ones.
Don’t let the edges brown—light bottoms and pale tops are the goal.
9. Cool and store
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a covered container until fully cooled—this helps them stay incredibly soft.
10. Frost and enjoy
Decorate with buttercream or royal icing. (Buttercream is my personal favorite because it tastes like a sweet cloud.)
Tips for the Best Soft Sugar Cookies
A little insider baking guidance—because we all deserve stress-free cookie success:
- If your dough feels sticky, you’re right on track. Sticky dough = soft cookies.
- Don’t skip the chilling. It prevents spreading and keeps edges defined.
- Roll thick. Thin cookies may bake too quickly and lose that soft, dreamy bite.
- Refrigerate between batches. Warm dough puffs; cold dough holds shape.
- Use almond extract with care. A little goes a long way—but wow does it add flavor.
And if your cookies come out softer than expected? Consider that a win. Softness is the whole point here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Sugar Cookies
Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge until workable. This is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes—but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Almond extract is a major player in that bakery-style taste. If someone in your home doesn’t like it, reduce rather than remove.
How do I store leftover Soft Sugar Cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If frosted, keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid smudges.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Why are my cookies drying out?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Remember: pale tops, lightly golden bottoms, and they’re done.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something magical about a recipe that feels effortless but delivers bakery-level results. These Soft Sugar Cookies are exactly that—a cozy, nostalgic treat that fits perfectly into busy schedules, holiday chaos, or those days when you just need a little sweetness.
From the cream cheese-enhanced softness to the perfect cookie-cutter shapes, this is a recipe you’ll want to save, bookmark, print, and make again and again. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or keeping them all for yourself (zero judgment here), Soft Sugar Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat.
So go ahead—preheat that oven and let the warm, buttery aroma fill your home. Your taste buds (and maybe your kids, coworkers, or neighbors) will thank you.
Ready to bake some joy? These Soft Sugar Cookies are waiting for you.
More Delicious Breakfast Ideas You’ll Love
If you’re in the mood to expand your morning menu, here are a few cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that pair beautifully with a warm French toast casserole. Each one brings its own kind of comfort—perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want breakfast to feel a little extra special.
- For another warm and comforting brunch favorite, try my classic French Toast Casserole.
- If you enjoy hearty breakfast bakes, this flavorful Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is always a hit.
- Add something sweet and seasonal to your table with my soft and festive Christmas Bread.
- For a buttery treat that pairs perfectly with brunch, these bright, tender Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies make a lovely addition.
- And if you’re craving a little fall-inspired sweetness, you’ll love these soft and creamy Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Go ahead—mix and match your favorites. Your breakfast spread just got even more delicious!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies: Irresistibly Cozy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Soft Sugar Cookies are unbelievably tender thanks to a secret ingredient—cream cheese! They’re thick, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with buttercream or royal icing. A cozy, foolproof cookie recipe for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients
3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
Instructions
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add cream cheese and beat for another minute until fully incorporated.
Add sugar and beat 1–2 minutes until fluffy.
Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Scrape down the bowl.
Add the salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap or place in a container. Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll dough to about 3/8-inch thickness.
Cut out shapes using floured cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets.
If cookies have softened, chill trays for a few minutes.
Bake small cookies for 9 minutes; larger cookies for 10–11 minutes. Do not brown the tops.
Cool on the tray 5 minutes, then transfer to a covered container until cooled.
Frost with buttercream or royal icing once cookies are completely cool.
Notes
Dough is naturally sticky—this is what makes the cookies soft.
Avoid overbaking; the tops should remain pale.
For cleaner shapes, refrigerate dough between batches.
You may roll dough between parchment sheets to avoid adding extra flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + 2 hours chilling
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg