Go Back
Adam

The BEST Sugar Cookies (Soft, Thick & Melt-In-Your-Mouth)

These are truly The BEST Sugar Cookies: soft, thick, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re lightly sweet, perfectly chewy in the center, and tender at the edges — the kind of cookie that disappears fast and feels warm and nostalgic with every bite. There’s no rolling pin, no complicated dough shaping — just scoop, bake, and enjoy. These cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, gifting, or any day when you crave something soft, cozy, and homemade. If you’ve been searching for that perfect bakery-style sugar cookie, this is the one.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Optional (for rolling):
  • Extra sugar or sanding sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

step1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy.
    step2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
      step3: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
        step4: Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms — avoid overmixing.
          step5: Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes to keep the cookies thick and chewy.
            step6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
              step7: Scoop dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each).
              1. Optional: Roll in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
              step8: Place dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
                step9: Bake for 8–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft — this is what keeps them chewy.
                  step10: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

                    Notes

                    🧊 Storage & Reheating
                    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
                    Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
                    Warm a cookie 6–8 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
                    🥄 Variations (Normal Style)
                    Sparkling Sugar Cookies:
                    Roll dough in coarse or sanding sugar before baking.
                    Vanilla Bean Bakery Style:
                    Replace 1 tsp vanilla with vanilla bean paste.
                    Cinnamon Sugar:
                    Roll in cinnamon sugar for a cozy snickerdoodle-inspired twist.
                    Funfetti Sugar Cookies:
                    Fold in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles.
                    Lemon Sugar Cookies:
                    Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.
                    ❓ 10 FAQs
                    Why chill the dough?
                    It prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
                    Should the cookies brown on top?
                    No — take them out when still pale for soft centers.
                    Can I use salted butter?
                    Yes — reduce added salt slightly.
                    Do I need to flatten the cookies before baking?
                    No — they spread naturally while baking.
                    Why did mine turn hard?
                    They baked too long — remove while soft in the center.
                    Can I freeze the dough?
                    Yes — freeze pre-scooped dough balls.
                    Can I double the recipe?
                    Absolutely — perfect for holiday baking.
                    Can I add chocolate chips?
                    Yes — mini white chocolate chips work great.
                    Can I frost these cookies?
                    Yes — vanilla buttercream is perfect here.
                    Can kids help make these?
                    Yes — shaping dough balls is fun and simple.
                    🏁 Conclusion
                    These BEST Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, buttery, and perfect in every way — cozy, classic, and endlessly loved. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and always a favorite. Once you try them, they’ll be your go-to sugar cookie recipe forever.