Name: Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Vanilla buttercream; Sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 52 reviews

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If you’re on the hunt for the absolute best treat that’s soft, tender, and irresistibly sweet, look no further than this Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies have that perfect cakey texture you crave, yet stay delightfully soft to the bite, making each mouthful a comforting hug. With a touch of almond and vanilla to lift the flavor, plus a buttery richness brought out by sour cream, these sugar cookies elevate a classic to a new, unforgettable level. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to brighten an ordinary day, these soft cakey delights will win hearts instantly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark tray holds several white bowls with different baking ingredients, placed on a white marbled surface. On the top left is a stick of pale yellow butter wrapped in paper. To its right is a flower-shaped white bowl filled with yellow vegetable oil. Below butter, a round white bowl is filled with white powdered sugar, and next to it on the right, a small white bowl contains white baking soda. Below the powdered sugar is a large round white bowl filled with off-white flour. Next to it on the right, a small red bowl contains white baking powder. Below the baking powder, a small clear bowl holds white salt, while next to it on the left, a small green bowl holds dark brown vanilla extract. A whole white egg is positioned between the vegetable oil and baking powder bowls. All labels in black text on white backgrounds identify each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that soft, cakey bite with delicious flavor depth and beautiful texture.

All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides the structure that holds these cookies together while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise up gently, contributing to their cakey fluffiness.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Worked alongside the baking powder for balanced leavening and a subtle chew.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors so your taste buds stay happy.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess and tender crumb without overwhelming the dough.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups): The perfect amount of sweetness that caramelizes lightly during baking.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything beautifully while adding moisture for softness.
Full-fat sour cream (1 cup): The star ingredient for moistness and that signature cakey texture you’ll adore.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and comforting flavor throughout each cookie.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty note that makes these cookies stand out in the best way.
Vanilla buttercream and sprinkles: For decorating, because a little frosting magic makes everything more festive!

How to Make Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even leavening and seasoning throughout your cookie dough for perfectly cakey results every time. Set this flour mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides. Next, add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat these together at medium-high speed. Even if your mixture looks a little curdled, that’s totally fine. Finally, with the mixer on low, gently mix in your dry ingredients just until combined—you want a thick, silky dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap or foil and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling not only makes the dough easier to scoop but also helps the cookies bake up soft and cakey by allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this ensures even baking and helps cookies release effortlessly.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and scoop out portions about 1½ tablespoons each—spacing them 3 inches apart to give them room to spread just right. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the cookies spring back when gently touched. This simple test is the trick to perfect doneness that guarantees softness.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, spread your favorite vanilla buttercream over each cookie and add sprinkles if you like to make them cheerful and festive.

Step 7: Enjoy and Store

These cookies taste best fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to one week. That’ll keep their soft cakey charm intact for when you want another treat!

How to Serve Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe

There are four round cookies placed on a silver cooling rack, which sits on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is topped with a thick, smooth layer of light pink frosting that is spread in a circular motion. On top of the frosting, there are small, colorful sprinkle pieces in shades of orange, purple, green, yellow, white, and blue scattered unevenly. The cookies themselves are light golden brown, peeking out slightly from under the frosting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Decorating your soft cakey sugar cookies is half the fun! Classic vanilla buttercream topped with colorful sprinkles brings joy and a sweet crunch. For an extra special touch, try edible glitter, sanding sugar, or even tiny edible flowers to delight your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or a rich hot chocolate. If you’re hosting a party, offer fresh fruit like berries or slices of crisp apple to balance the sweetness with fresh brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in pretty stacks tied with twine for gifting, or place them on a festive platter garnished with fresh mint leaves. You can also sandwich them with a layer of frosting in the middle for an indulgent cookie treat that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimum freshness. They’ll stay soft and cakey for up to two days and remain tasty even after that, though the texture may slightly firm up.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? These cookies freeze wonderfully. Either freeze them plain or frosted, just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When packed well, they’ll hold their texture and flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

To bring your cookies back to just-baked softness, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This quick heat revives their tender crumb and buttery flavor wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat sour cream instead of full-fat?

For this Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe, full-fat sour cream is important to achieve the tender, moist texture. Low-fat versions may result in drier or less fluffy cookies, so it’s best to stick with full-fat if you want that perfect cakey softness.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

While almond extract adds a lovely nutty nuance, you can omit it or substitute with an extra 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if needed. The cookies will still be delicious and soft, just slightly different in flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The key is to look for cookies that still look soft but spring back when lightly pressed with a finger. Don’t wait for them to brown on the edges; that can signal overbaking and lead to loss of softness.

Can I use this dough to make cookie bars instead?

Absolutely! Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined pan and bake at the same temperature for a bit longer, about 20 to 25 minutes. This gives you a soft cakey sugar cookie bar perfect for slicing and sharing.

Do these cookies freeze well unbaked?

Yes! Scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great way to have fresh cookies any time you want.

Final Thoughts

Soft, tender, and bursting with subtle almond and vanilla flavor, this Soft Cakey Sugar Cookies Recipe is one I always come back to when I want that perfect nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist. Baking these cookies is as joyful as eating them, and sharing them will win you plenty of smiles. Give it a try—you’ll soon have a new favorite recipe to cherish forever.

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