There’s something almost magical about biting into White Velvet Sugar Cookies: the way they’re pillowy-soft, lightly sweet, and have just that hint of undetectable creaminess that sets them apart from the ordinary. These cookies are ideal for celebrations or for spoiling yourself with something special on a quiet afternoon. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as part of your holiday cookie tray, you’re in for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have friends and family begging for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple yet essential each ingredient is for creating the signature taste and texture of these cookies. Every component from the pantry plays a crucial role in making White Velvet Sugar Cookies truly unforgettable!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft yet sturdy cookie; don’t pack it tightly so the cookies stay light.
- Baking powder: Just a touch gives the cookies a gentle lift and perfect thickness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This is key for richness and that “velvet” texture—softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
- Powdered sugar: Delivers extra-tender, almost melt-away texture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds subtle chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth for that signature comforting aroma.
- Cream cheese, softened: The not-so-secret twist for ultra-softness and a faint tang that gives these cookies their “velvet” feel.
How to Make White Velvet Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure everything bakes evenly. Line your favorite baking sheet with parchment paper—a little prep work now means cookies that lift off easily later, with no fear of sticking or overbrowning bottoms.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step prevents clumps and ensures every bite of your White Velvet Sugar Cookies is perfectly balanced and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Cream Cheese
Using a large bowl and either a stand mixer or handheld electric beater, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and cream cheese. You’re looking for a light, fluffy mixture—this process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is essential for airy, velvet-soft cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This is where the dough starts coming together and takes on that creamy, dreamy consistency you want for White Velvet Sugar Cookies.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet, mixing on low speed or by hand just until you see no streaks of flour. Don’t overmix! The dough should be soft, and slightly sticky—the secret to that signature velvet texture.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a little cookie scoop makes life easy here!) and drop them onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each mound with your palm or the bottom of a glass so they bake up nice and even.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look ever-so-slightly soft. This is key to that perfect soft texture—don’t overbake! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy the intoxicating bakery aroma wafting through your kitchen.
How to Serve White Velvet Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Try dusting your cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, or go all-out with colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or a simple vanilla glaze. For the holidays, a drizzle of white chocolate or a swirl of royal icing turns White Velvet Sugar Cookies into showstoppers.
Side Dishes
Pair these tender cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or serve alongside fresh berries for a touch of brightness. If you’re entertaining, a platter with various cookies and fruits makes for an irresistible sweet spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a vintage cake stand, wrap a few in clear treat bags with ribbons for gifts, or use them as edible place cards at parties—just write guests’ names on them with icing! For a celebration, arrange White Velvet Sugar Cookies alongside other colorful treats for a playful cookie bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft and pillowy for up to five days. Tuck in a slice of bread to help maintain the perfect velvety texture!
Freezing
White Velvet Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully! Simply layer baked, cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag (separating layers with wax paper). They’ll be just as luscious for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy as if they’re freshly baked.
Reheating
Want to recreate that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 5–7 seconds; it’ll be soft, tender, and perfect for dunking into coffee or milk. No oven required for that bakery-fresh taste!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature for easier scooping and they’ll bake up just as soft.
Can I add sprinkles or colored sugar to the dough?
Definitely—stir in some festive sprinkles or gently press coarse sugar onto the tops before baking for a pop of color and crunch. It’s a fun way to personalize your White Velvet Sugar Cookies for any occasion!
Why do my cookies look pale in color?
This is by design! These cookies are meant to be light both in color and texture. Resist baking them until golden brown; their pale hue signals soft, tender centers.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend. The cream cheese helps maintain softness, so your gluten-free White Velvet Sugar Cookies will still taste luxurious.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
If the dough is very soft, pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. Using cool baking sheets also helps keep cookies from getting too flat while they bake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate, softest sugar cookie of your dreams, look no further than these White Velvet Sugar Cookies. Give them a try and prepare to receive rave reviews—these little gems are destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and simply melt in your mouth. With a hint of cream cheese, they are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until done.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can top these cookies with frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
