The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe With A Secret Ingredient!

I’m obsessed with sugar cookies, but not just any sugar cookies. I like thick, soft, chewy sugar cookies with lots of fluffy frosting. I’m not a big fan of a crunchy sugar cookie. I get that crunchy sugar cookies have their place, but not at my house. A soft sugar cookie is where it’s at, in my opinion. 

For years I was on the hunt for the perfect sugar cooke recipe.  I sampled sugar cookies at every bakery and pastry shop I could find.  I tried recipe after recipe.  I found some good ones.  I found some bad ones.  Most were just mediocre. Finally, one fateful day I found it!  The perfect sugar cookie recipe!  

I almost didn’t try it because of one strange ingredient: Sour cream.  Yup, this recipe has sour cream in it.  Weird, right?  I know but I was willing to try it in my quest for the best sugar cookies.  Guess what? They were almost perfect.  A few small tweaks and the my Secret Ingredient Sugar Cookies were born! 

This is the recipe that I get asked for most often.  People literally hound me for my secret ingredient sugar cookies.  So, I’ve finally written it down for the world!  These cookies are easy to make.  They whip up in no time!  They freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time. I prefer a homemade buttercream frosting, but a tub of canned frosting is great as well.

Secret Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe

You probably have almost everything you’ll need for this recipe in your fridge and panty. These easy sugar cookies come together really quickly and you can make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time and store it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.  I usually double this recipe because I need lots of sugar cookies in my life! 

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Sugar Cookie Ingredients

1 cup shortening

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 cup sour cream

3-4 cups white all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Recipe Instructions

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. 

3. Combine the shortening, sugar and vanilla in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.  Mix until well combined. I like to mix this until it’s pretty fluffy.

4. Add the egg, sour cream. Start out on low speed, then increase the speed to medium. Scape the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add in the flour mixture.  Mix well.  You may need to add some extra flour. Add just enough flour so that it comes together in a workable dough. The dough should be soft and easy to manage without being sticky. 

​6. I always roll out my dough while it’s at room temperature, but feel free to put it in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap for awhile if you want. 

7. Roll out the dough with plenty of flour so it doesn’t stick.  I like to roll our the dough about 1/4 inch thick to create that thick, chewy cookie that I love. 

8. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out your dough.  

9. Place cut-out cookies on a baking sheet. I don’t grease my baking sheets for this recipe.  If you like, you could use  parchment paper or on a silicone mat on top of your cookie sheet when you bake cookies. 

10. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  The cookies will turn a little bit golden brown, but will stay pretty light. 

11. Allow the sugar cookies to cool on a wire rack or some wax paper. 

12. Frost the cooled cookies with your favorite frosting. I like a basic buttercream frosting, but a cream cheese frosting is also delicious! 

Storing Sugar Cookies

You can store these perfect sugar cookies in an air tight container. They will last for about 3-4 days.  You can also freeze them(after they’ve been baked, but before you frost them.) I freeze my cookies in a freezer bag. They’ll last in the freezer for 3-4 months.  During the holidays, I like to make these soft cookies in advance and put them in the freezer, so the’re ready to pull out and frost when we’re ready to decorate holiday cookies. 

Tips for making sugar cookies

Here’s a few tips to help when you’re making these yummy homemade sugar cookies!

1. Use a stand mixer. This dough gets pretty thick and I’m not sure an electric mixer will be up to the challenge! 

2. You might need to add quite a bit extra flour to make a workable dough, depending on the humidity at the time. Don’t stress about this!  Feel free to add more flour as your rolling out the cookies too if the dough is too sticky. 

3. I love to frost these cookies, but if you prefer you can just sprinkle the tops with a little sugar before you bake them and leave them unfrosted. They’ll be delicious either way. 

4. This recipe is a great one if you’re baking with little ones!  Kids love to help cut out and frost sugar cookies, so don’t be afraid to get them involved! 

5. Add sprinkles. Sugar cookies are better with sprinkles.

Other Delicious Recipes

​I don’t just make delicious sugar cookies, I have other great recipes too!  If you’re a Disney fan, make sure you check out all of my awesome Disney copycat recipes. There’s some yummy ones like Mickey shaped beignets, matterhorn macaroons and more! Disney copy cat recipes are a great way to bring the magic of the parks into your home when you’re not able to be there in person! 

Sugar Cookie Wrap Up

I hope you enjoy this recipe and it becomes a staple at your house, just like it is at mine!  I make this recipe often through out the year!  My neighbors get excited when the holiday season is approaching because they know I’ll be making sugar cookies!  Don’t wait for a special occasion to make these though, They are absolutely amazing any time of the year! 

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.

Secret Ingredient Sugar Cookies

These soft, chewy sugar cookies are perfect! Your search for the perfect sugar cookie recipe is over. You can now rejoice!

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Ingredients

  

• 1 Cup Shortening
• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspooon Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• 3-4 Cups White Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine shortening, sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy. Add the rest of the ingredients. Add extra flour as needed to make a workable dough. Roll out about 1/4 of an inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on un greased baking sheet for 10-12 minutes. Frost with your favorite frosting. I like a simple butter cream.

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I'm Melissa, your Disney vacation aficionado and full-time mom to four. Whether it's sipping Diet Dr. Pepper or sharing unbeatable Disney planning tips, I'm all about adding a touch of magic to everyday life. Let me help turn your Disney dreams into reality with insider advice and customized planning strategies. Join me on this magical journey and make every Disney adventure unforgettable! Read more...