Name: Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups white sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract ((or vanilla, if preferred)); 6 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a soft and fluffy sugar cookie. With their tender texture and sweet, buttery flavor, these cookies are a treat that transcends age and occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a perfect companion with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. The secret to their incredible softness lies in the combination of sour cream and a few simple ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s both comforting and delicious.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Soft and fluffy sugar cookies are beloved for their versatility. They can be adorned with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch or simply enjoyed plain. Their light texture and sweet flavor profile make them perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Plus, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them a go-to recipe for family events, school functions, or just a cozy night in. The addition of almond extract gives them a unique flavor twist that sets them apart from your typical sugar cookie, ensuring they will be the star of any dessert table.

Ingredients at a Glance

1 cup sour cream
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla, if preferred)
6 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Recommended Tools

Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients efficiently.
Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar to perfection.
Baking Sheets: For placing your cookie dough before baking.
Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
Cookie Cutters: Optional, but great for shaping your cookies.
Cooling Rack: Essential for letting your cookies cool evenly.

Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and white sugar. Use your electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavoring

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until well combined. Pour in the almond extract and heavy whipping cream, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for added flair!

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

Use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Use non-dairy sour cream as a substitute.
Opt for non-dairy heavy whipping cream in the frosting.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

Cookies are too hard: This can happen if the dough is overmixed. Mix until just combined.
Cookies spread too much: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Cookies are too dry: Measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For storing baked cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well—just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

Ask & Learn

Can I use different extracts besides almond?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract is a popular alternative. You can also experiment with lemon or orange extracts for a citrusy twist.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk. These alternatives will still provide moisture and a slight tang.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Check the edges of the cookies; they should be lightly golden. The centers might appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Can I decorate these cookies for special occasions?

Definitely! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Use royal icing, buttercream, or fondant to create fun designs for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration.

Let’s Eat

These Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies are a testament to the joy of baking. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of cookies that not only taste fantastic but also bring smiles to faces young and old. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to indulge in the delightful world of soft, fluffy sugar cookies. Happy baking!

Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies

These Soft and Fluffy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat! Perfectly tender and sweet, they're a hit for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup sour cream
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla, if preferred)
6 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie Cutters
Cooling rack

Method

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and white sugar. Use your electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavoring
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until well combined. Pour in the almond extract and heavy whipping cream, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 9: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for added flair!