Soft Sugar Cookies
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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.
- 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
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!
Lily says
Tried this recipe. Very easy. Turned out awesome
Julie says
Awesome!
Linda Bauer says
You did,nt show your frosting recipe
April says
Its there. You gotta click on it
Julie says
Here is the link!
https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/homemade-sugar-cookie-frosting-that-hardens/
Coleen says
how many does this make?
Julie says
About 36 cookies
Lisa says
Hello, can you add coco powder and how much??
Thank you
Julie says
I haven’t tested this but I’m sure you could! I would say somewhere between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup cocoa powder. Let me know how it goes!
Kalyn says
Hello i’m trying to made your recipe in a yield of 24 and I was wondering if you can reduce.
Julie says
This recipe makes about 36 cookies so you could try cutting in half and make smaller cookies or just have a few leftovers with the full recipe.
Patti says
I was wondering what temp also. Really want to try them.
Christina says
It says to preheat the oven to 350° in step one of instructions.
Linda says
I have to make the cookies a d the frosting.
Julie says
Hope you enjoy them!
KAREN HEADLEY says
What temperature do you bake the cookies? Did not see the temperature listed
Julie says
350 degrees
Kathy wolfendon says
Made this tonight for my Son whom is Gluten free, all I did was use his Gluten free Flour and they were amazing thank you so much!!
Julie says
I’m glad they were awesome! So happy you could both enjoy them 😊
S says
What flour did you use? I am gf and was thinking of trying these with a gf flour. 🙂
Tammy says
Just got these out of the oven just wonderful easy no refrigeration time soft with a crisp bottom don’t really even need icing just rolled in sugar and yummy
Julie says
Oh I’m so happy you loved them! Thanks for the rating and review, Tammy!
Patti says
Tammy at what temp did you bake them and for how long.
Julie says
10-11 minutes at 350 degrees.
Sandi says
Oh my gosh my kids love colorful cookies. I can’t wait for them to try these.
Julie Evink says
I hope they enjoy them!
Nellie Tracy says
Sugar Cookies are a holiday must! Love this recipe!
Julie Evink says
I totally agree with this!
Lacee says
Hi. Can you roll the dough and make cutouts or will it ruin the taste?
Julie Evink says
I’m worried they would spread if you did cut outs with them!
Bonnie says
There is no eggs listed in the ingredients, but you add eggs in the instructions..
Julie Evink says
Sorry! Updated… thanks!
Sue Taylor says
Yes there is. Read ingredients. Calls for 1 egg
Captain Obvious says
Oh Sue, It wasn’t there originally. Read dates with times on posts above.
April says
Do these cookies have to go in fridge after?
Glenda Harding says
Thank you! This is the recipe I have been looking for with that frosting that hardens!!!
Rose L Pruitt says
Want to make for Christmas can’t find the frosting
Julie says
Here is the link to the frosting
https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/homemade-sugar-cookie-frosting-that-hardens/