Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a recipe that will redefine your definition of “cookie bliss.” Seriously, forget everything you think you know about sugar cookies because this soft sugar cookie is in a league of its own.

I remember the first time I served these soft sugar cookie at a neighborhood block party. Maria, bless her heart, took one bite, closed her eyes, and said, “Quinn, this tastes like a hug from heaven!” I knew right then, I had struck gold with this recipe. Her reaction told me everything – these soft sugar cookie aren’t just delicious; they’re an experience.

You know I’m all about bold flavors and taking risks in the kitchen, and this soft sugar cookie recipe is no exception. It’s got that Cuba Queen flair – a touch of unexpected magic that will make your taste buds sing.

This soft sugar cookie isn’t some dry, crumbly disappointment. No way! We’re talking about a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth dream. Think clouds, but edible and bursting with flavor. We’re talking a chewy sugar cookie that is just perfect.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, tweaking and testing until it reached peak deliciousness. And now, I’m beyond excited to share it with you so you can bring some serious cookie magic to your kitchen! Get ready to bake!

Ingredients for the Best Soft Sugar Cookies

This soft sugar cookie ingredient list is short but mighty! I swear the secret to an epic chewy sugar cookie is using sour cream instead of more butter or milk. Trust me on this.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Don’t skimp on the quality here. Good flour makes a difference in the texture of your soft sugar cookie.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our rising agent, giving the cookies that perfect puff.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little baking soda helps with browning and gives the cookies a slightly tangy flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The butter MUST be softened, not melted!
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: We need this to give the cookies their signature sweetness.
1 large egg: Use a high quality egg for the best chewy sugar cookie.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The secret to an amazing vanilla flavor in any vanilla extract sugar cookie
1/2 cup sour cream: This is the game-changer! Sour cream adds moisture and tanginess, resulting in the most melt in your mouth sugar cookie.
Optional: sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing for decorating: Because everything is better with a little sparkle!

For the vanilla extract, you want the real deal. Imitation vanilla extract is… well, an imitation. It doesn’t have the same depth of flavor as the real stuff. Splurge on a good quality vanilla – you won’t regret it! You’ll find the best ingredients for this soft sugar cookie at your local bakery or specialty shop.

And here’s a flavor-boosting mod: add a pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla. It’s subtle, but it adds a nutty complexity that elevates these cookies to another level!

Store your flour in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Soften your butter by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour before baking. This makes it easier to cream with the sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Soft Sugar Cookie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your soft sugar cookie from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t stress – your soft sugar cookie is going to be incredible.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining.
Stir in the sour cream until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Pro tip for soft sugar cookie perfection: watch them closely! They should be soft and puffy, not browned. In my kitchen, this soft sugar cookie takes exactly 9 minutes to bake.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While your soft sugar cookie is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Decorate with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing, if desired. Here’s where most people mess up their soft sugar cookie – but not you! Let your creativity shine and have fun with it! Your easy sugar cookie recipe is complete!

Your soft sugar cookie should look slightly puffy and pale golden around the edges. They should smell heavenly – a mix of vanilla, butter, and sweetness. They should feel soft to the touch, but not raw.

Efficiency hack: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that all your cookies are the same size. This will help them bake evenly. If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. This is where your soft sugar cookie transforms into pure magic.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is EVERYTHING, my friends! Don’t just throw these soft sugar cookie on a plate and call it a day. Give them the love they deserve!

For maximum impact, arrange the cookies on a tiered serving platter, alternating colors and textures. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Bold pairing suggestion: Serve these soft sugar cookie with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coolness perfectly complements the sweet, soft cookies.

These soft sugar cookie absolutely slay at dinner parties! But they’re also perfect for any occasion – birthdays, holidays, or just a random Tuesday when you need a little sweetness in your life.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this soft sugar cookie at picnics. They’re easy to transport and everyone loves them. For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the cookies in a circle on a plate, leaving a small space in the center. Fill the space with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Creative leftover transformation: Crumble these soft sugar cookie over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping. You can even use them to make a cookie crumb crust for a pie or cheesecake.

During the holidays, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. In the summer, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor. I have a pumpkin cookie recipe you might like! Check out this recipe for a Pumpkin Sugar Cookie at CubaQueen.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soft sugar cookie spicier?

You know me – I love a little heat! Absolutely, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a spicy kick. Just be careful not to add too much, or it will overpower the other flavors.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

While sour cream is the secret ingredient to that amazing texture, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt. It will still give you a similar tanginess and moisture. You could also try a cream cheese sugar cookie.

How do I know when my soft sugar cookie is perfectly done?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the tops should be set but still soft to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Don’t overbake them, or they will be dry and crumbly.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! This is a great way to have soft sugar cookie on hand whenever you want them. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but I’m confident it can be done! Just be sure to use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You may also need to add a binder, like xanthan gum, to help hold the cookies together.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to work with.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Of course! If you want to make colorful cookies, add a few drops of food coloring to the dough. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed. Another option is to make these soft sugar cookie cutout cookies and add food coloring to the frosting!

Conclusion

This soft sugar cookie represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unexpected twists, and a whole lotta love. It’s a celebration in every bite! If you’re feeling adventurous, give these Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels a try, too!

Soft Sugar Cookie Power Tips:

Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
Use softened butter! It’s crucial for creaming with the sugar.
Watch the baking time! Overbaking is the enemy of a soft cookie.

Here are a few variations I’ve created and loved:

Lemon: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate chip: Fold in chocolate chips for a classic twist.
Cinnamon: Add cinnamon to the dough. This recipe reminds me of this incredible brown sugar cookie recipe.

The lemon version always gets the biggest reactions. Something about that tang is seriously addictive.

I’m telling you, these soft sugar cookie are a flavor bomb waiting to explode! I’m confident you’re going to absolutely nail this recipe. Make this soft sugar cookie your signature dish and prepare to be showered with compliments! You can also find additional inspiration and variations on recipes for Christmas cookies.

Get ready to create some serious soft sugar cookie memories. Bake these for your loved ones, bring them to a party, or just enjoy them all by yourself (no judgment here!). Whatever you do, don’t forget to share your results with me! You might also discover new twists and tips in this thread discussing cream cheese sugar cookie recipes.

I can’t wait to see your creations! Let’s get baking! Enjoy the best soft sugar cookie ever!

soft sugar cookie

Print Recipe

These soft sugar cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla. These cookies are also delicious with a simple powdered sugar glaze.