There’s something magical about Cheryl’s sugar cookies. Soft, chewy, and always topped with a sugary frosting, they’ve become a fan favorite. But what if you could recreate them at home? The great news is, you can! In this guide, I’ll share with you my Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies recipe that tastes just like the bakery classic, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Every Occasion

Do you ever find yourself craving something sweet but want it to be homemade? These cookies fit the bill perfectly. From birthday parties to holiday gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies are the ideal treat. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also offer the flexibility to be customized with different frostings and sprinkles — making them perfect for any occasion.

So, whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Quick Overview of the Recipe and Its Benefits

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Soft and chewy texture: These cookies stay perfectly soft in the center, just like the ones you buy from Cheryl’s.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need a complicated list of ingredients. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.
Fun to decorate: The frosting is not only delicious but gives you the opportunity to get creative with colors and sprinkles.
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be made festive with different colored frostings or toppings for various holidays and events.

Now that you know why these cookies are so special, let’s get to the good stuff — the recipe!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

For this Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; I’ve also included some easy substitutes!

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (softened)
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Large Egg	1
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp
All-Purpose Flour	2 ½ cups
Baking Powder	1 tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Milk	2 tbsp

Substitutes for Key Ingredients (if applicable)

Butter: If you need a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter like Earth Balance or any other vegan butter substitute.
Milk: You can swap out regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t have vanilla extract? Almond extract can give a nice twist to the flavor.

Equipment Needed

Essential Tools for Making Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to make these cookies, but there are a few essentials that will make your baking experience easier:

Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls — one for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy, flat baking sheet ensures even baking.
Parchment Paper: This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion out the dough evenly.

Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results

Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies cool down evenly and keeps them from becoming soggy.
Piping Bags: If you want to get fancy with your frosting, piping bags are perfect for creating intricate designs.

What to Look for in Equipment

Best Mixer for Baking: If you’re looking to invest in a mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is a great choice. It’s sturdy, efficient, and works wonders for dough. If you prefer something more budget-friendly, a handheld mixer like the Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer works just fine too.
Best Baking Sheet: Choose a high-quality, non-stick baking sheet like the USA Pan Bakeware Cookie Sheet to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, add one large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the frosting! You can use store-bought frosting, or make your own buttercream frosting. Use a piping bag or knife to spread the frosting onto the cookies and top with colored sprinkles or any other fun toppings.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Time of Cooking

Be careful not to overbake your cookies! They should come out soft, so keep a close eye on them. If you want a slightly crisper edge, let them bake for an extra minute or two.

How to Make Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies Even Better

For an extra burst of flavor, add almond extract along with the vanilla extract. This small change can elevate the flavor to a whole new level!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Baking for too long: These cookies should be soft and chewy in the middle. Remove them from the oven as soon as they start turning golden at the edges.

Time-Saving Tips for Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

If you’re short on time, skip the frosting! These cookies are delicious on their own, and the simple dough gives you all the sweetness you need.

Variations and Substitutes

Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies for Different Diets

Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use dairy-free butter.
Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the frosting for gluten-free ingredients.
Sugar-Free: You can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit for a lower-sugar treat.

Creative Twists to Try with Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

Add Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the dough will give your cookies a fresh citrus flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Holiday Decorations: These cookies are perfect for decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles to fit any holiday or celebration.

How to Serve Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions for Occasions/Meals

Serve these cookies at your next party, during the holidays, or just as a sweet treat for a family gathering. They also make great gifts when packaged in cute boxes or tins!

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

Each cookie contains approximately 200 calories (depending on size and frosting).

Other Key Nutrients

Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g

How to Make Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies Healthier

To make the recipe healthier, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or a lower-calorie butter substitute. You can also reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia.

Conclusion

Making your own Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies at home is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. These cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and sweet — and they’re totally customizable! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. So grab your ingredients and start baking — I guarantee you’ll love every bite!

Let Us Know How It Turned Out in the Comments

Tell us how your Copycat Cheryl’s Sugar Cookies turned out! Did you add any special touches or make a creative variation? We’d love to hear all about it!

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FAQs

How do I make sure my sugar cookies stay soft?
To keep your sugar cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Once the edges are golden, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Can I freeze these sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. If freezing dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual (just add a couple of extra minutes if baking from frozen).

What’s the best frosting for these cookies?
I recommend a simple buttercream frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s light, creamy, and the perfect complement to the cookies.

Can I decorate these cookies with sprinkles?
Definitely! Sprinkles are a great way to make these cookies even more festive. Choose sprinkles that match the occasion, whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or just for fun.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure to double-check the frosting to ensure it’s gluten-free as well!