Thick & SOFT Sugar Cookie Recipe (That Holds Its Shape)

There is something magical about a sugar cookie that stays thick, bakes up soft, and keeps every sharp edge exactly where it belongs. These are the cookies you reach for when you want beautiful cutouts without sacrificing that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe because it finally delivers both looks and texture in one perfect cookie.

Why These Sugar Cookies Are a Total Game-Changer

These cookies are designed to do what most recipes promise but rarely achieve. They roll easily, cut cleanly, and bake without spreading into blobs. At the same time, they stay plush and soft inside, making them just as enjoyable to eat as they are to decorate.

The Story Behind Shape-Holding Sugar Cookies

Cutout sugar cookies have long been a favorite for holidays and celebrations, but keeping their shape has always been the challenge. This style focuses on balance, enough structure to hold form, and enough richness to stay soft. Over time, bakers learned that small ingredient tweaks make all the difference, and this recipe reflects that hard-earned wisdom.

Why This Recipe Always Works

Before we get baking, let’s talk about why this one earns a permanent spot in your collection.

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and themed events.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps with reliable results.

Customizable: Works with any frosting or decorating style.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft texture and classic flavor appeal to everyone.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and baked cookies both store well.

Great for Leftovers: Cookies stay soft for days.

Pro Baker Tips You Will Be Glad You Know

Now let’s dive into a few expert tips that guarantee success.

• Chill the dough briefly to make rolling easier.
• Roll dough evenly for consistent baking.
• Avoid overbaking, pale cookies stay softer.
• Let cookies cool fully before decorating.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Having the right tools makes decorating smooth and enjoyable.

Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.

Electric Mixer: Helps cream ingredients evenly.

Rolling Pin: Ensures uniform thickness.

Cookie Cutters: Sharp edges give clean shapes.

Ingredients You Will Need

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to support softness and structure.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, providing structure without toughness.
2. Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons, giving gentle lift.
3. Salt: ½ teaspoon, balancing sweetness.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup softened, adding richness and softness.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and tender texture.
6. Eggs: 2 large, binding the dough.
7. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, adding classic flavor.
8. Milk: 2 tablespoons, keeping the dough soft and workable.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

Flexibility is always helpful in baking.

Vanilla Extract: Almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Milk: Any dairy-free milk works well.

Key Ingredients That Make the Difference

Some ingredients truly define the final result.

Butter: Provides richness and that soft, tender crumb.

Flour Balance: Enough to hold shape without drying the cookie.

Let’s Bake These Cookies Together

Now comes the fun part. Follow these steps and enjoy the process.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
2. Combine Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Dish: Add eggs, vanilla, and milk, then mix in dry ingredients.
5. Cook to Perfection: Roll dough, cut shapes, and place on baking sheets.
6. Finishing Touches: Bake just until set, keeping color light.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Cool completely before decorating or serving.

Texture and Flavor Breakdown

These cookies bake up thick with a soft, pillowy center and smooth edges that stay exactly where you cut them. The flavor is classic and comforting, buttery with gentle vanilla notes that pair perfectly with any frosting.

Helpful Baking Tips

A few extra tips can make things even smoother.

• Use parchment for even baking.
• Rotate pans halfway through.
• Keep dough scraps chilled between rolls.

What to Avoid When Making Cutout Cookies

Avoid these common mistakes for best results.

• Overworking the dough, which toughens cookies.
• Adding too much flour when rolling.
• Baking until browned, which dries them out.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 190

Note: These values are approximate.

Time Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container for up to five days. They also freeze beautifully before or after baking.

How to Serve These Cookies

Serve plain, dusted lightly, or fully decorated with frosting. They are perfect for dessert trays, gift boxes, or cookie swaps.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftover cookies can be layered into dessert jars, crumbled over ice cream, or sandwiched with filling. Let me tell you, it is worth every bite.

Extra Tips for Best Results

Measure flour accurately and resist the urge to overbake. Soft cookies are pale cookies.

Make Them Look Bakery-Perfect

Use a piping bag for clean frosting designs and let each layer set before adding details.

Variations to Try

• Add citrus zest to the dough.
• Use different extracts for seasonal flavor.
• Turn into sandwich cookies with filling.
• Add sprinkles before baking for texture.

FAQ’s

1. Do these cookies spread?

No, they are designed to hold their shape.

2. Can I chill the dough overnight?

Yes, it works very well.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze.

4. Why are my cookies dry?

They may be overbaked or overfloured.

5. Can I decorate the same day?

Yes, once fully cooled.

6. What frosting works best?

Thick buttercream or icing works well.

7. Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely, it is very beginner friendly.

8. Do I need parchment paper?

It helps but is not required.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales easily.

10. How thick should I roll the dough?

About ¼ inch for best results.

Conclusion

This thick and soft sugar cookie recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves beautiful cutouts that actually taste amazing. Reliable, tender, and endlessly customizable, it is the kind of recipe you will come back to year after year. Give it a try and enjoy every soft, perfectly shaped bite.

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