This is the sugar cookie recipe we will use forever and ever. It's absolutely foolproof every single time for a perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie. Use this recipe to make drop sugar cookies, or chill the dough and roll it out to use for cookie cutters.
If you really love sugar cookies, you must try ours Sugar cookie fudge too!
Why our recipe?
- Perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookies thanks to two secret ingredients: cream cheese and corn syrup.
- Refrigerate and roll out to cut into shapes or skip freezing and drop cookies instead.
- Eat plain or frosted and decorate to your heart's desire!
Sugar cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their simplicity and versatility. Whether you're baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just as a special treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. The key to soft sugar cookies is adding a little cream cheese and corn syrup. This combination creates the perfect soft, chewy cookie that everyone will love.
Material notes
- Salted Butter: Use softened salted butter for both cookies and frosting. Leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes for easy blending.
- Granulated sugar: Stick with regular granulated sugar for the cookie dough—no substitutes for powdered or brown sugar.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese and be sure to soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes with the butter.
- Corn Syrup: Look for light corn syrup, usually found in the baking aisle. Avoid dark corn syrup as it will affect the taste and color.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor, but imitation vanilla works too.
- Almond Extract: Sugar gives cookies their classic taste. If you prefer a nut-free option, omit it without greatly altering the taste.
- Eggs: Use a large egg at room temperature for easy mixing.
- All-Purpose Flour: Stick with regular all-purpose flour for this. Bread flour can also work.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Check the expiration date to ensure the correct yeast.
- Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar for the frosting. Run it if you want a super smooth consistency.
- Milk: Any milk works here, but whole milk will make the frosting extra creamy.
Cookie cutter cookies
For sugar cookies that hold their shape you need to refrigerate the dough. After preparing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step allows the fats to re-solidify, preventing them from spreading during baking.
Roll the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter to shape the dough and transfer the cut cookies to a prepared baking sheet. For the crispiest shape, refrigerate the cut cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Exclude cookies
Drop-style cookies are perfect for those who prefer a soft, chewy center with a lightly crisp edge. This recipe is also ideal for drop cookies. Just scoop the dough onto a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed—no refrigeration required! For tips on achieving perfectly soft drop sugar cookies, check out our comprehensive guide to them Soft Drop Sugar Cookies!
beautifying
You can decorate the cookies with a simple buttercream frosting and sprinkles or go for a more intricate design with icing. You can use a simple powdered sugar icing by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk.
For the most complex designs, it's best to use one Royal icing. With either of these options, you can use food coloring to color your frosting your desired colors. Gel food coloring It is the easiest to work with and produces the most vibrant colors.
Storage and freezing instructions
shop Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
to freeze Leftover cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
throat At room temperature before serving.
More sugar cookie recipes…
Watch the video below Where Rachel walks you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we've always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes YouTubeour Facebook pageOr here on our website with their respective recipes.
