These thick and soft sugar cookies are like little bites of happiness! With a sweet, buttery flavor and a soft texture, they are perfect for any occasion.
I can’t resist the way they melt in my mouth! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love making these cookies as much as eating them. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite tea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: The backbone of this cookie! You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten. Just note that it may change the texture a bit.
Unsalted butter: I recommend unsalted for better control over the salt levels. If you’re in a pinch, you could use salted butter, but just reduce the added salt slightly.
Sugars: Granulated sugar keeps these cookies nice and soft. You can mix in some brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even use coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Eggs: They add moisture and help bind everything together. If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
Extracts: Vanilla is a must for flavor, and almond extract adds a nice touch. If you’re not an almond fan, use extra vanilla or a splash of lemon for a different vibe!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Shape?
To get the signature thick shape, focus on forming the dough balls correctly. You want to scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll them into balls, and then gently flatten them slightly. This prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- When rolling the dough, make sure your hands are clean and not sticky. A small amount of flour on your palms can help.
- A glass bottom lightly dipped in flour helps create even shapes without sticking.
- Leave enough space between cookies on the baking sheet—you want them to expand but not touch!
After baking, the edges will be golden but the centers will look soft. This ensures a thick and tender cookie that’s simply delightful!
How to Make Thick & Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For The Decoration:
- 1 cup green frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Decorative sprinkles (white pearls)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to bake. Overall, you should set aside about 35-40 minutes, including cooling time. Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s a fun and easy process to create these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once combined, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is super important for getting the right texture in your cookies!
4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Beat them in, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts (if you’re using it) and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one, as they will spread a little while baking.
7. Flatten the Cookie Balls:
Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm. This helps them achieve that thick cookie shape you want to see!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Your cookies are ready for the oven! Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be lightly golden while the centers may still look a little soft when you take them out.
9. Cool Down Time:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up a bit more.
10. Decorate the Cookies:
After your cookies have cooled down, it’s time to get creative! Use your green frosting to decorate the cookies however you like—feel free to make swirls, designs, or whatever makes you happy. Top with white pearl sprinkles for a fun finishing touch!
11. Enjoy!
Your delicious thick and soft sugar cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them up at your next gathering or just keep them for yourself—we won’t tell!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of unsalted butter! This will still give you a soft and thick cookie; however, keep in mind that margarine may slightly alter the flavor. Make sure to use a stick variety for the best results, and remember to let it soften before mixing.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
No worries! If you don’t have almond extract, you can simply omit it without any issue. For a similar flavor note, you may add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of another extract like coconut or lemon, depending on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. To maintain a softer texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This way, you retain some of that fluffy goodness while adding nutritional value!
