Name: Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Vanilla buttercream; Sprinkles (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 84 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats, this Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These cookies strike the perfect balance between cakey softness and buttery sweetness, topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream that adds charm and an irresistible creaminess. The sprinkles bring a playful crunch and a burst of color, making every bite as delightful visually as it is in flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or a festive celebration, this recipe promises to turn your kitchen into a warm haven filled with joy and the smell of freshly baked happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl full of flour on the right side, next to two white eggs placed side by side. Near the eggs, there is a small metal cup filled with dark vanilla extract, a small metal cup with a white powder which looks like baking powder, and another small metal cup with salt. On the left side, a small white bowl contains colorful rainbow sprinkles. Above that, another white bowl holds a white liquid, likely milk. Near the top left corner, three sticks of butter are placed on a white plate. A light blue and white striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. The setup is clear, bright, and organized, showing raw ingredients ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe just right means relying on simple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy butter to the tangy sour cream and the aromatic extracts, these essentials work beautifully together to create a soft texture and a rich, layered flavor that’s simply divine.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and a slightly fluffy crumb to these cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for that perfect cakey softness.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients for tender, airy cookies.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness critical to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to texture.
2 large eggs: Provide moisture and help bind everything into a smooth, silky dough.
1 cup full-fat sour cream: Gives the cookies their signature softness and subtle tang.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a delicate, nutty note that enhances the vanilla beautifully.
Vanilla buttercream and sprinkles for decorating: The crowning touch that makes these cookies irresistibly festive!

How to Make Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures an even distribution of all the leaveners and salt, which helps the cookies bake perfectly every time. Set this mixture aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about two minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air, giving the cookies their light texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to mix everything evenly.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Extracts

Next, mix in the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract on medium-high speed. The combination of sour cream and extracts gives these cookies their unique softness and flavor depth. It’s normal if the batter looks curdled at this point; just keep mixing gently to bring it all together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture. The dough will become thick, creamy, and silky—a sign that you’re on the right track. Cover the dough tightly using plastic wrap or foil and chill it for at least one hour, or up to three days if you want to prepare in advance. This chilling step is important for better flavor and easier handling.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Removing dough from the fridge, scoop out 1.5 tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing each cookie about three inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 13 to 14 minutes or until they spring back when lightly pressed with a finger—this is the perfect test to ensure cakey softness without overbaking. Let them cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, so they set perfectly without breaking apart.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, frost your cookies with your favorite vanilla buttercream and sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles to make them extra fun and festive. The creamy frosting contrasts beautifully with the cakey cookie, making each bite a dreamy treat. If you prefer, these frosted cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for up to a week.

How to Serve Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe

The image shows four round cookies arranged closely on a silver metal cooling rack. Each cookie has a base layer of light golden-brown dough, topped with a thick layer of soft, smooth pink frosting spread in a circular motion. On top of the frosting, there are small, colorful sprinkles scattered in a random pattern, featuring shades of purple, white, orange, green, and yellow. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the obvious stars for garnishing these cookies, but feel free to mix it up with edible glitter, crushed nuts, or even mini candy pieces for a playful twist. These colorful toppings add texture and make your cookies stand out on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair these Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a warm herbal tea. The softness and sweetness of the cookies perfectly complement the refreshing or cozy drinks, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or gifts, arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with a festive napkin or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon. You could also sandwich two cookies with extra buttercream for a delightful twist that feels like a special homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them into the refrigerator for up to one week—just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before adding the buttercream topping. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Once you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. Store baked, frosted cookies in the fridge and consume within a week for best taste.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the cookies tough or dry. Reheating brings back the soft, cakey texture and makes the buttercream slightly melty and extra irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, full-fat plain yogurt can work as a substitute for sour cream. It will keep the cookies moist and tender, though the flavor might be slightly tangier. Make sure it’s well stirred and at room temperature for the best results.

Why do my sugar cookies sometimes come out flat?

Flat cookies usually mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or too much butter was used or melted during baking. This recipe’s chilling step is essential for maintaining that soft but defined cakey structure. Also, measuring ingredients accurately helps prevent spreading.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, you would need to substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might slightly differ, but they can still be delicious.

How do I make vanilla buttercream at home?

Homemade vanilla buttercream is simple: beat softened butter with powdered sugar until fluffy, then add a splash of vanilla extract and a little milk or cream for smooth consistency. Adjust sweetness and thickness to your liking—it’s a wonderful frosting for these cookies.

What is the best way to decorate the cookies for a party?

For parties, pipe the vanilla buttercream using a piping bag and tip for neat, pretty swirls. Add themed sprinkles or edible pearls on top to match the occasion. Displaying them on tiered trays or cookie boards makes the presentation extra festive and inviting.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream and Sprinkles Recipe enough for anyone who loves a tender, flavorful cookie with a dazzling finish. From the first creamy bite to the colorful sprinkle crunch, these cookies turn simple ingredients into pure joy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake these beauties—you’ll be making smiles and happy memories with every batch!