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Do you prefer hard or soft sugar cookies? I have always preferred soft cookies, but it took me years to find a recipe that actually made melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies.

This recipe has been used for at least ten years so I honestly don’t know where it came from at this point. All I know is that every year, people comment on how much they love them and ask for the recipe. I make them thick and cook them for the least amount of time possible without them being raw. It has taken a lot of trial and error to get them just right.

Shaped and frosted sugar cookies on Christmas plate.

The frosting allows for the cookies to be stacked once they are dry, which is great for storing and making cookie tins to give away. I usually make at least three colors so I can make several designs.

Ingredients You Will Need

Butter
Cream Cheese
Sugar
Egg Yolks
Vanilla Extract
Flour
Shortening
Powdered Sugar
Milk
Food Coloring

Equipment You May Need

Measuring Cups and Spoons
Large Bowl
Mixer
Cookie Sheets
Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutters
Cookie Spatula
Cooling Racks

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do I make the dough soft and not too dry or crumbly? To ensure a soft dough, it’s important to properly cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Also, be sure not to overmix the flour, as that can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.

How can I make the icing the right consistency for decorating? Add small amounts of milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency. For flooding and outlining, you’ll want a thicker consistency, while for filling in, a thinner icing works best.

Can I store decorated cookies at room temperature or do they need to be refrigerated? Decorated cookies can typically be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The icing may dry and harden over time, but the cookies should remain good for several days.

Can I freeze the cookies or cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, wrap it well in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. For baked cookies, ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

What’s the best way to store leftover icing? Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using it again, bring it to room temperature and re-mix to ensure a smooth consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extract flavors in the icing, such as almond or peppermint, to complement the cookie’s flavor.

Dip in Chocolate: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for a delightful chocolate-covered variation.

Meringue Icing: Try a meringue-based icing, such as royal icing, for a glossy and smooth finish on your cookies.

Sprinkle Cookies: Roll the cookie dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking to give them a fun and festive appearance.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like these Soft Sugar Cookies, you might also like my Melting Moments or my Christmas Snowball Cookies. These Butter Cookies are also delicious. Norwegian Berlinerkranser cookies also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.