Easy Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Easy, tried, and tested recipe to make delicious soft sugar cookies that are yummy on their own but also perfect for frosting! The recipe includes an easy royal icing.

Can you believe it’s already November? Soon it will be Thanksgiving, and before you know it, Christmas will be right around the corner! I guess the good thing about reminding ourselves is that soon 2020, the most challenging year, will be over! Do you feel the same way? I just want some normalcy soon!

Why This Recipe Works

• This soft sugar cookie recipe produces cookies with a buttery taste and soft, smooth texture that are delicious without frosting.

• The recipe is simple enough for a 12-year-old to execute successfully, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

• The cookies can be shaped with cookie cutters and are versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or decorated with royal icing or glaze.

• This recipe originates from a church cookbook containing family-tested recipes, providing reliability for holiday baking needs.

Anyway, my just-turned-12-year-old daughter Sophie has been in a baking mood lately (since the quarantine began, actually!) and wanted to make some sugar cookies the other day.  I told her about a soft sugar cookie recipe I found in our old church cookbook. I told her to try it and see if it’s any good, so we can use it for the holiday season, when cookie baking is at its peak.

That cookbook, compiled by the lovely ladies in our church, has been my go-to resource for meals and sweet treats. It contains delicious recipes that their families have loved over the years. I got two copies so I can make these yummy recipes at home.

So my daughter tried the soft sugar cookies recipe from the cookbook and I’m happy to report that the recipe worked well! It was a success!

In fact, the cookies you see in the photos were the ones my daughter made based on the cookbook. She got some fall and Christmas cookie cutters and used them to shape the cookies.

Indeed, she made all these cookies and even frosted some! I think she did a good job! Don’t you think?

I simply became the taste tester for these cookies! I must say the cookies were actually excellent and tasted delicious on their own. In fact, I prefer the cookies plain and without any frosting at all.

I love the yummy buttery taste and the soft and smooth texture of the cookies! I thought they were perfect with my morning coffee!

Besides, if my 12-year-old can make it, surely anyone can! It was indeed a very easy recipe that yielded perfect results!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, sugar cookie dough freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.

How long do these soft sugar cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and fresh for up to one week. If you’ve frosted them, make sure the icing is completely dry before stacking or storing to prevent smudging.

What’s the difference between royal icing and glaze for decorating?
Royal icing dries hard and creates a smooth, professional finish that’s ideal for intricate designs and stacking cookies. Glaze stays slightly soft and glossy, offering a simpler application method but less structural stability for detailed decorating.

Can I make these cookies without cookie cutters?
Absolutely! You can shape the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass, or slice the chilled dough into rounds or squares. The cookies will still have the same delicious, soft texture no matter the shape.

Why did my sugar cookies spread too much during baking?
Excessive spreading usually happens when the dough is too warm before baking or when there’s too much butter relative to the flour. Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly.

So, if you are in need of an easy, tried, and tested sugar cookie recipe for your holiday baking, I certainly highly recommend this Easy Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe!

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

This easy soft sugar cookie recipe delivers consistently excellent results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice bakers and holiday cookie production. Whether enjoyed plain with morning coffee or decorated for festive occasions, these buttery, soft cookies are sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to year after year.

Last updated on October 20th, 2026 at 07:48 pm