There’s something undeniably joyful about baking a batch of sugar cookies—especially when they come out of the oven thick, soft, and ready for decorating. These Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies are everything you dream of in a sugar cookie: light, pillowy centers, crisp edges, and the perfect canvas for colorful icing and sprinkles.
Shared by the talented bakers of the Homemade Recipes Community, this recipe takes the classic sugar cookie up a notch with a bakery-style texture and a hint of almond that gives each bite an extra-special touch.
Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies
These Fluffy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies are soft, thick, and perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is. With a subtle hint of almond and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they're ideal for any occasion—from holidays to everyday sweet cravings.
Prep: 105 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 115 min
Servings: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Beat in eggs, then vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half. Roll each on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut chilled dough into shapes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed. Color with gel food coloring if desired. Pipe or spread onto cooled cookies and allow to set.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Protein: 2 g
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Facebook PinterestWhy These Sugar Cookies Are a Fan Favorite
Unlike dry, crumbly cookies that leave you wanting a glass of milk stat, these sugar cookies are soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cookie cutters and custom decorations—but they’re also delicious enough to enjoy completely plain.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, this recipe delivers a reliable base you’ll want to make again and again.
Secrets to the Perfect Fluffy Sugar Cookie
- Chill the dough: This is crucial! It keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes it easier to cut clean shapes.
- Don’t overmix: Once your dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. This keeps the cookies tender.
- Roll evenly: Keep dough thickness at about ¼ inch for soft, bakery-style results.
- Cool before icing: Make sure the cookies are completely cool to avoid runny or melted icing.
Decorating Tips
Once cooled, these cookies are your edible blank canvas. Here are a few ways to make them pop:
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning your icing.
- Add sprinkles or sanding sugar right after icing while it’s still wet.
- Outline and flood your cookies for a clean, professional look.
- Try royal icing or buttercream if you want to explore different textures and designs.
Delicious Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing touch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Top: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle vibe.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and let it set.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.
Q: How long will the baked cookies last?
They stay soft for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies without icing.
Q: Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes! The almond extract adds a unique bakery-style flavor, but the cookies are still delicious with just vanilla.
