The Ultimate Guide to Baking the Softest, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookies with Dreamy Buttercream Frosting

Today marks a truly special milestone for my husband and me – our 10th wedding anniversary! It’s hard to believe that a decade has flown by since we exchanged vows. It feels like just yesterday we were two excited “babies” starting our journey together, as evidenced by our wedding photos. Looking back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel incredibly fortunate to have married such a kind, supportive, and wonderful person. Without getting too sentimental, these past ten years have genuinely been the happiest of my life, and I eagerly anticipate all the adventures and joys that our future holds.

In celebration of this joyous occasion, and because some moments simply call for indulgence, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that is admittedly not “healthy” but is absolutely worth every single bite. This isn’t just any sugar cookie recipe; it’s *the* recipe for the softest, most tender sugar cookies you’ll ever encounter, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy buttercream frosting. I made a large batch of these delightful treats to surprise my husband tonight, and they are also perfect for upcoming holidays like Valentine’s Day, or just because. I love baking these sugar cookies to give to friends, thoughtful neighbors, and my kids’ amazing teachers as a token of appreciation. There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing homemade goodness.

The Quest for the Perfect Sugar Cookie

For years, I embarked on a culinary quest, trying countless sugar cookie recipes in pursuit of that elusive “perfect one.” You know the kind – the cookie that, with just one bite, reveals an exquisite balance of softness and sweetness, melting effortlessly in your mouth, making it utterly impossible to stop at just one. Many recipes promised perfection, but few delivered. Some were too dry, others too crumbly, and many lacked that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture I craved.

After much experimentation, I finally stumbled upon a recipe that surpassed all my expectations. This is it. This is *that* recipe. It consistently produces cookies that are absolutely perfect, every single time. The dough is a dream to work with, and the resulting cookies are thick, incredibly soft, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness. My friends and neighbors, after tasting these delectable creations, have all enthusiastically asked for the recipe. So, it’s my pleasure to finally share this culinary gem with you. I originally discovered this fantastic recipe on the Peppermint Plum blog, and it truly lives up to its reputation as the best.

The Softest Sugar Cookies & Buttercream Frosting

The best sugar cookies you will ever eat!

Rating: 5/5 stars from 9 votes

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Course:
Dessert

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Total Time:
28 minutes

Author:
Jenn

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best results)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk (start with less, add more for desired consistency)
• Food coloring, if desired

Instructions

For the Sugar Cookies:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in the sour cream. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this stage, but don’t worry, it will come together.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be soft.
6. NOTE: If the dough seems too sticky to handle and roll out easily, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up and makes it much easier to work with, preventing sticking and allowing for cleaner cuts.
7. Lightly flour a clean surface (like a countertop or large pastry mat) and your rolling pin. Take a portion of the dough and roll it out to a thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch. Yes, seriously! This is one of the most crucial steps to achieve those wonderfully soft, thick sugar cookies. If you roll them any thinner, they are more likely to become crispy and won’t have the desired tender texture. This thickness is the secret to their incredible softness!
8. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes from the rolled-out dough. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray if parchment paper isn’t available.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for exactly 7-8 minutes. Yes, seriously, this is another incredibly important step! Do NOT overbake! The cookies will appear very soft and might not look fully “done” when you take them out, but trust the process. The edges might be just barely golden, but the centers will still be pale. This precise baking time is essential for keeping them incredibly soft and chewy. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
10. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This recipe yields several dozen cookies, making it perfect for sharing, but it is also easily halved if you need a smaller batch.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a clean mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter until it is smooth and light. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until crumbly. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Slowly add the milk, starting with 1/4 cup, and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner frosting for spreading, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right. For a thicker frosting suitable for piping, use slightly less milk.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. This is a fun way to customize your cookies for different holidays or themes.
5. Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the delicious buttercream frosting over them. Garnish with sprinkles if you like, and ENJOY! They are truly SO good!

Notes

*Original recipe inspiration from the Peppermint Plum blog.

Baking Tip: The key to these sugar cookies’ incredible softness is not overbaking. They should look barely set and still pale when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Storage: Store frosted sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and then frost.

Variations: For a hint of citrus, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the cookie dough. Almond extract can also be used in place of or in addition to vanilla extract in both the cookies and frosting for a different flavor profile.

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Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Baking and Decorating

Achieving bakery-quality sugar cookies at home is entirely possible with a few simple techniques. When rolling out your dough, avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the cookies dry. A light dusting is all you need. For even thickness, which is critical for consistent baking and that desired soft texture, consider using rolling pin guides. If you’re cutting out intricate shapes, dip your cookie cutters in flour between cuts to prevent sticking. After cutting, gently transfer the cookies to the baking sheet. If they are delicate, use a thin metal spatula to prevent distorting their shape.

Once your soft sugar cookies are baked and cooled, the real fun begins with decorating! Our dreamy buttercream frosting is incredibly versatile. For a smooth, classic look, simply spread it evenly with an offset spatula. If you’re feeling more adventurous, divide the frosting into separate bowls and use food coloring to create a vibrant palette. Piping bags with various tips can transform your cookies into edible works of art – from elegant swirls and borders to intricate designs. Don’t forget the sprinkles! A dash of colorful sprinkles immediately elevates the festive appeal of any sugar cookie.

Sharing the Sweetness: Gifts and Celebrations

These soft sugar cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful way to celebrate life’s moments and show appreciation. Whether it’s for a birthday party, a baby shower, a graduation, or just a simple get-together, a tray of homemade sugar cookies always brings smiles. For gifting, arrange a selection of frosted cookies in a pretty box or cellophane bag. Tie it with a ribbon and add a personalized tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful present that speaks volumes. They are particularly cherished during holidays like Christmas, Easter, or as a sweet surprise for teachers and colleagues.

Beyond special occasions, there’s immense joy in simply having these delicious cookies on hand for an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or milk. The tender crumb and sweet frosting make them a comforting indulgence that can brighten any ordinary day. The aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies filling your home is a treat in itself, inviting warmth and happiness. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire, a go-to for creating cherished memories and satisfying sweet cravings.