If you’re searching for a cookie that’s impossibly soft, buttery, and nearly melt-in-your-mouth in texture, these White Velvet Sugar Cookies are the answer to your sweet tooth dreams. Imagine a classic sugar cookie elevated to a plush, velvety pillow with the perfect kiss of vanilla. These cookies are a go-to for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you crave a touch of homemade comfort. Each bite is subtly sweet, just right for a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous swirl of your favorite frosting. Whether you’re a baking pro or a kitchen newbie, this recipe brings warmth and delight from your oven straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dough comes together with a handful of pantry staples, but every ingredient plays a special role in creating that signature cloud-like texture and delicate flavor. Here’s what transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable White Velvet Sugar Cookies:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure while still keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Help your cookies rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for richness and that meltaway texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages a beautifully pale color.
- Large egg: Adds structure, moisture, and a touch of richness.
- Sour cream: The secret to super soft, plush cookies—don’t skip it!
- Milk: Helps the dough stay smooth and velvety.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers classic sugar cookie flavor and warmth.
- Almond extract (optional): For an extra hint of sweetness and depth; use only if you love the flavor.
- Powdered sugar or frosting of choice: Perfect for dusting, swirling, or letting your creativity shine with decorations.
How to Make White Velvet Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This small touch will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the results.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, so each White Velvet Sugar Cookie bakes up light, tender, and full of flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them with a mixer until the mixture is super light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for achieving that irresistible, velvety texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The sour cream and milk keep the cookies rich and soft without making them overly dense.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we’re looking for pure velvet here.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball of dough using the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand for even, perfectly baked cookies.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops look slightly soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies are at their best when light and tender. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy
Once the cookies are cool, dust them with powdered sugar or frost them however your heart desires. Add sprinkles for a celebratory touch, or keep it simple and classic. Now, treat yourself to that first bite!
How to Serve White Velvet Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A simple shake of powdered sugar is timeless and elegant, letting the texture shine. If you want to get playful, top each cookie with your favorite frosting—vanilla, cream cheese, or even a festive colored icing. Sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or a light drizzle of melted chocolate make these White Velvet Sugar Cookies extra dreamy, especially for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your White Velvet Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of fragrant tea, or a creamy latte. For gatherings, a dessert platter featuring fresh berries, chocolate truffles, and your cookies is both beautiful and delicious. These cookies also work wonderfully with fruit compotes or as part of an afternoon tea spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich a layer of berry or lemon curd between two cookies, or dip half the cookie in white chocolate for a pretty finish. Stack them up and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a tiered stand as the centerpiece of your dessert table. With their snowy sheen, White Velvet Sugar Cookies make a stunning addition to any party or holiday celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover White Velvet Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead bake for parties, lunchbox treats, or midweek snacks. Layer the cookies with parchment if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking or smudging your decorations.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Once baked and completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can even freeze the dough balls before baking (flatten gently first), so you’ll always have fresh White Velvet Sugar Cookies at your fingertips.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, just pop your cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes. This quick refresh revives their softness and makes them even more delightful to eat with a cup of coffee or cocoa. If you’ve frozen the dough, bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in these cookies. It will still produce that luxurious, soft texture in your White Velvet Sugar Cookies, though the flavor might be slightly tangier.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No chilling is required for this recipe! The dough comes together easily and is ready to scoop right away, making it perfect for quick baking sessions and last-minute cookie cravings.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute. Just be sure to choose one designed specifically for cookies to help preserve the soft, velvety texture you love in White Velvet Sugar Cookies.
What kind of frosting works best?
Classic vanilla or cream cheese frosting is always a hit. For a holiday twist, try tinted buttercream or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let your taste (and your decorating tools) guide you!
Will the cookies stay soft after a few days?
Definitely! As long as they’re stored in an airtight container, your White Velvet Sugar Cookies will remain pillowy soft for several days. If they seem a bit firmer on day five, a quick reheat will bring them right back to dreamy softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bake a batch of cookies that win hearts with their softness and flavor, don’t wait another day. These White Velvet Sugar Cookies have become a beloved favorite in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try them too. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or just treating yourself—you deserve it!
Print
White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and not overly sweet, perfect for frosting and adding a festive touch with sprinkles. A delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting or frosting of choice for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and mix until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flatten, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and decorate: Cool on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired.
Notes
- These cookies are soft, tender, and not overly sweet, making them perfect for frosting.
- Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
