The Best Sugar Cookies

The Best Sugar Cookies

These are The Best Sugar Cookies and a holiday favorite. Soft on the inside with a little crunch on the outside, they require no chilling—just roll, cut, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or filling a festive cookie box, these classic sugar cookies always hit the mark.

Quick to make and beautifully baked every time, these cookies are a no-fuss, high-reward kind of treat. You can keep them simple or dress them up with chocolate dips and festive toppings. Even better, the addition of sour cream gives them that perfect soft-chewy bite with a crisp edge that melts in your mouth.

Not only are they incredibly easy, but they’re also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Halloween, birthdays, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe delivers. You’ll appreciate how simple they are to whip up—and how fast they disappear.

Making cookies is always a treat, especially when it’s this easy. If you’re on a baking streak, don’t miss my Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies or the Best Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies.

The Best Sugar Cookies | The Food Cafe

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies

• Soft and chewy texture with lightly crisp edges

• No need to chill the dough

• Fun and easy to decorate

• Perfect for any holiday or special occasion

• Made with ingredients you likely already have

Ingredients 

Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg, unbeaten

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

For Decorating:

• Dark and white chocolate candy coating

• Favorite holiday candy toppings

How do you make sugar cookies? 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine and sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and light.

4. Next, add the sour cream along with half of the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated.

5. Stir in the remaining flour mixture to form a smooth dough.

6. Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters.

7. Arrange the cut-outs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Place sugar cookie cut outs on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 6-8 minutes.  Remove and let cool.

How do you decorate sugar cookies?

1. For decorating, melt the chocolate coatings in separate microwave-safe bowls using 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.

2. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, then decorate with your favorite toppings. Let the cookies set for about 5 minutes before serving or storing.

How long do sugar cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, these sugar cookies stay fresh for up to three weeks.

What makes these sugar cookies so soft?

Sour cream is the secret ingredient—it adds moisture and tenderness, which makes the cookies irresistibly soft with slightly crisp edges.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is needed. These cookies are perfect for busy baking days when you want to roll and bake without delay.

Can I freeze these sugar cookies?

Yes! After baking and cooling, place cookies in a parchment-lined airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Makes 24)

• Calories: 112

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 29mg

• Sodium: 174mg

• Potassium: 11mg

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 275IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg

• Calcium: 9mg

Join the Conversation

If you bake these sugar cookies, leave a comment and a star rating below! Tag me on Instagram @shannon_ladywarrior so I can see your sweet creations!

Looking for more festive desserts?

• Peppermint patty stuffed brownies
• White chocolate chex mix
• Triple chip caramel brownies
• The best Texas sheet cake

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