Description
Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies are buttery, tender, and delightfully moist with a soft and silky crumb. These cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and are perfect for decorating with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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
For Decorating
- Vanilla buttercream
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside to combine the leavening agents evenly.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat on medium-high speed until combined, even if the mixture looks curdled. Scrape down again if necessary. Finally, mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick, creamy, and silky. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 2-3 days.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, measure out 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, placing them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 13-14 minutes, or until a cookie springs back lightly when poked with your finger, signaling doneness. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating to ensure the frosting does not melt.
- Decorate: Spread vanilla buttercream over each cooled cookie and garnish with sprinkles if desired.
- Store: Keep frosted cookies covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even mixing.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and cakey.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
- Decorate only after cookies have cooled completely to avoid melting your frosting.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
