Soft Sugar Cookies
243 Comments
Posted: 12/04/18
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Chewy, soft sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. This no-chill dough recipe is super easy and results in the perfect drop sugar cookie. You can either roll them in sugar or frost them with my favorite frosting that hardens.
Plus, they freeze great which makes them the perfect cookie for making ahead of time for the holidays. Your cookie tray won’t be complete without them!
Dreaming of the perfect soft and chewy drop sugar cookie that is quick and easy to make? Here it is! The answer to all your wants and needs. These cookies are amazing. They are easy to make. They freeze great. They taste delicious. Need me to go on?
After I cheated and used the Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies from Pillsbury and people asked me for my recipe I shamefully told them my secret and vowed to develop a homemade version!
Here they are!
No you can’t NOT roll these out. That’s my number one question on these cookies. They won’t hold their form for cut out cookies. They are drop cookies so keep them that way!
Why this Recipe Works
- Soft, chewy perfection that is mouthwatering.
- No chilling required! A quick and easy sugar cookie recipe anyone can make with pantry staples.
- Pair it with our frosting for the ultimate duo of tastiness.
Steps to Prepare
The best part these drop sugar cookies are so easy to make. There’s not rolling or chilling involved.
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll actually be able to see it turn a lighter color.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Then add the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix until just combined. Gradually add flour, scraping down the sides the bowl as you mix it. Don’t over mix or the batter can turn tough.
Divide the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls of dough, I recommend using a cookie scoop, and roll them in sugar if desired. Place on lined baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until just set. Do not over bake these or they won’t be soft! The edges won’t be golden brown.
How to Decorate Your Cookies
- To make these cookies festive roll them in color sugar or sprinkles before baking instead of white sugar.
- If you want to frost them make our Sugar Cookie Frosting (It hardens so you can stack them!) and sprinkles them with your favorite sprinkles.
- You can even mix in some right in the dough for a funfetti sugar cookie.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your butter is be soft enough that if you push on it you can make an imprint, but not soft enough your finger goes through the stick of butter.
- Don’t overwork the dough, it will toughen the dough.
- Bake until just set, overbaking will make a crispy cookie.
- Keeping the cookies the same size, helps ensure they will bake evenly.
- Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days for best results.
These cookies freeze great too! Place them in an airtight container after they’ve completely cooled and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them on the counter when you are ready to enjoy them.
More great holiday cookies to enjoy!
- It doesn’t get cuter or easier than these no-bake Snowman Cookies!
- Soft, chewy Red Velvet Cookies that are stuffed with chocolate chips and topped with a cream cheese frosting!
- Mexican Wedding Cookies are the the quintessential Christmas cookie that are also called Russian Tea Cakes or Snowball Cookies. Few ingredients and they bake up quickly!
- A staple on our cookie trays are Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies that are totally addictive.
More Recipes You’re Sure to Love!
When you try these be sure to leave a five-star rating below, I know you’ll love these cookies! If you are over on Instagram, tag me at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Soft Sugar Cookies
These drop cookies are so easy and require no chilling. They are slightly crunchy around the outside and chewy in the middle.
Video
cookies
Ingredients
- 1 c. butter softened
- 1 1/3 c. granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy about 1 minutes. Add in egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- Next, add in the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix until just combined. Gradually add flour mixing as you go. Make sure to scrape the side of the bowl every once in a while.
- If you want you can roll the dough into 1” balls and roll into granulated sugar, place about 2” apart on prepared baking sheet. Your other option is to drop tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet about 2” apart if you don’t want sugar on them.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-11 minutes or until just set. You don't want to over bake them or they won't be chewy and soft!
- Remove from oven and cool.
- After they cool frosting them with my favorite homemade frosting or enjoy plain!
Tips
I frosted these cookies with my favorite Sugar Cookie Frosting that Hardens!
This recipe WILL NOT work to use as a cut out cookie because it will spread. This is meant to be a drop cookie.
If you have time to chill the dough for about a hour before baking it will result in a thicker cookie. If you don’t chill it the cookie will spread more. Chilling is not required, but if you want a thick cookie chill the dough.
We have found that using parchment paper to line the pan instead of a silicone mat will help the cookie spread less.
Do not melt your butter. You want it at room temperature to prevent spreading of the cookie.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 141kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 21g (7%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 5g (8%), Saturated Fat: 3g (19%), Cholesterol: 14mg (5%), Sodium: 81mg (4%), Potassium: 26mg (1%), Sugar: 8g (9%), Vitamin A: 165IU (3%), Calcium: 7mg (1%), Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
Vanessa Stone says
I made these cookies so many times! You wouldn’t believe me when I told you!
Trangiee says
Hi out of curiosity, do you need the baking soda in this recipe since there’s no acid for it to react with? I didn’t know if I should increase the baking powder instead?
Sarah Hill says
While you can leave out baking soda, your finished product will not be as light and fluffy as they are intended to be.
Goldie says
Really good cookies!
Courtney says
So glad you enjoyed!
BH says
After throwing away a package of cookies from GFS That turned into bricks after they are baked, (because I was trying to save time), I found this recipe
These cookies are amazing. They truly are a delicious and soft cookie. Thank you for sharing it here for everybody!
BH says
After throwing away a package of cookies from GFS because I was trying to save time, I found this recipe
These cookies are amazing. They truly are a delicious and soft cookie. Thank you for sharing it here for everybody!
Jessica says
Can you make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days? I see you can chill for an hour before cooking, but what about longer in the fridge.
Abby Z. says
Thank you! You saved Christmas with this recipe! Best & easiest cookies & frosting!
renee says
Cookie recipe is great. Use a melon baller instead of a tablespoon. I made a buttercream frosting to top the cookies off with and the kids really loved it.
Courtney says
Yum! Thanks for sharing!
Linda says
Made these cookies today for my grandson, followed the recipe. Delicious! Husband loves them too. Will definitely be making them again. I bake a lot of Christmas cookies to share with family/ friends. Will be adding these sugar cookies to my Christmas cookies!
Courtney says
The perfect addition to your Christmas cookie list! Thank you for letting us know you enjoyed these!
Audrie says
This was so easy, and good without frosting.
Courtney says
Love the simplicity of this sugar cookie recipe!
TC says
These have become one of my go to recipes for groups or to take to work. I use different colors of sugar to suit the occasion. Have been asked for the recipe numerous times.
Courtney says
Thank you for sharing! :)So glad you enjoy it!
Aly says
Hi I was wondering if I can chill the dough overnight?
Joan says
Delish!!!
I wonder if I could sub-out the vanilla for lemon extract? What would the ratio of lemon be compared to 2 teaspoons of vanilla? I assume it’s not wise to use both vanilla and lemon extract?
melanie spaulding says
I have a question? Could I add any chips of some sort like macadamia or peanut butter? Thank you
Courtney says
I am sure you can! I have never put chips in these cookies. Let me know if it works for you!
Valene says
Made for Christmas. BEST SUGAR COOKIES EVER! Thanks for sharing. Definitely are go to, now.