16 Sugar Cookies That Hold Texture and Look Good
Sugar cookies don’t all need to look the same, and this list proves it. These bakes stretch from soft tea cakes and crisp-edged cut-outs to funfetti-stuffed drops, glazed finishes, and bold seasonal spins. The dough is flexible enough to carry lemon, pumpkin, matcha, or sprinkles without losing its shape, and every version holds up with or without icing. Some bake soft and chewy, others go flat and crunchy, but they all cut or scoop clean, and sit well on trays, in tins, or wrapped up for later. Whether you’re decorating for a holiday, packing for an event, or just building out a dessert table, these cookies hold flavor, color, and structure from first bite to last.
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
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Soft sugar cookies with strawberry flavor folded into the dough for a slightly tart finish. They bake chewy with a little puff and hold color through the center. Serve plain or glazed. A quick break from vanilla that still cuts clean.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies (Tea Cakes)
These bake soft with a slightly crisp edge and a chewy center that stays tender. The flavor is simple and buttery with just enough sweetness. Serve plain or with a dusting of sugar. A classic cookie that works warm or cooled.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Chewy Sugar Cookies (Tea Cakes)
How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Bright sprinkles baked into soft sugar cookie dough for a thick, chewy finish. The cookies stay round with clean edges. Frost or serve plain. A simple way to get color without decorating.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Cocoa and red coloring blended into sugar cookie dough for a soft, deep-colored bite. These bake chewy and cut clean. Serve with cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar. Bold flavor that’s still easy to prep.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies
This dough rolls flat and cuts sharp with minimal spread in the oven. The cookies bake crisp at the edge and soft in the center. Chill before rolling for best results. Perfect for holiday shapes or decorating.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies
Glazed Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies with a smooth glaze that sets glossy on top. The cookie underneath stays simple and tender. Add food coloring or leave clean. It’s a strong alternative to frosting without the extra weight.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Sugar Cookies
Circus Animal Sugar Cookies
Frosted animal cookies crushed and folded into the dough with sprinkles and soft vanilla flavor. The cookies stay soft with bits of crunch throughout. Serve as-is or drizzle with glaze. A nostalgic bake that stacks well.
Get the Recipe: Circus Animal Sugar Cookies
Rainbow Sugar Cookies
Multiple doughs colored and twisted or layered for a rainbow effect in every slice. The cookie bakes firm but not crunchy. No need to frost or glaze. It’s bold in color without being overcomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Sugar Cookies
Autumn Leaf Sugar Cookies
Rolled dough cut into leaf shapes, tinted with fall colors, and baked just until the edges turn golden. The cookies hold their shape and look clean on a tray. No icing needed unless you want detail. A seasonal staple for fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Leaf Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin spice blended into a soft sugar cookie with a touch of cinnamon sugar on top. The dough bakes chewy with subtle flavor. Chill before baking for the best shape. Works plain or iced.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon zest and juice added to soft sugar cookie dough for a tart, bright bite. The cookies bake chewy with just the right amount of crisp. Serve dusted or glazed. A fresh option that still fits the sugar cookie base.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies
Halloween Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These bake soft with Halloween-colored sprinkles mixed into the dough. They hold a chewy center and puff slightly while baking. Use any sprinkles to switch the theme. Great for parties or treat bags.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Disney Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip
Mini sugar cookies baked crisp and served with a whipped cream cheese dip full of sprinkles. The cookie-dip combo works for sharing or building trays. Serve chilled or room temp. A fun twist on a classic cookie plate.
Get the Recipe: Disney Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip
Matcha Sugar Cookies
Matcha powder folded into sugar cookie dough for color and a mild, earthy flavor. These bake soft and don’t spread much. Serve plain or glazed. A modern take that keeps texture while switching up flavor.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookie Bars
Classic sugar cookie dough pressed into a pan and baked into bars. The top sets golden while the center stays soft. Frost, glaze, or leave plain. Easier than scooping and holds up for serving.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Bars
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Chopped pecans baked into a soft cookie base for crunch and contrast. These bake golden and hold a simple shape. Serve dusted or plain. A good option when you want just a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies
