Soft and Puffy Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies
on May 03, 2019, Updated Apr 22, 2024
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Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies are the softest, fluffiest sugar cookies of all time, and they keep their shape super well. The not-so-secret secret ingredient? Greek yogurt, of course!
Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are a killer dupe for the ones in the plastic boxes begging you to take them home when you’re in line at the grocery store. Except, these have a whole lot of goodness packed into them instead of bright pink-dyed frosting and who-knows-what in the cookies themselves.
Hey, I’m not ragging on the store-bought cookies. Those puppies are GOOD. But there’s just something so much more satisfying about hand-making your own from scratch and getting to see everything that goes into them… Especially because these ones have a secret ingredient that packs a little extra moisture, wholesomeness, and protein power: Greek yogurt!
These Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies are an absolute hit at birthday parties and holiday celebrations (get you some red, white, and blue sprinkles for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July!). You can have fun with them by swapping out the vanilla for other extract varieties, like lemon, almond, or orange, in either the cookie dough or frosting for a different flavor experience.
How long do sugar cookies last after baking?
Sugar cookies last a pretty solid amount of time… If little hands and mouths don’t get to them first, that is. Store them in a cool and dry cupboard or pantry in an airtight container for 1 to 2 weeks. You can also keep them in the fridge, if you prefer. They’ll freeze for much longer, up to 3 months.
Why did my sugar cookies spread?
There could be a couple reasons your cookies spread while baking. First, make sure you don’t skip the chilling the dough step. It’s important in maintaining the shape of the cookie as it bakes. If you chilled the dough thoroughly, be sure you followed the correct measurements, especially for sugar and butter. Too much sugar and butter can cause cookies to spread while baking.
Can you leave sugar cookies out overnight?
Yes, these can be stored at room temperature for a few days! Just make sure they’re covered in a sealable container or with plastic wrap, and keep them away from sinks, stoves, and ovens.
Soft and Puffy Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/3 cup butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Dash of salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. You can use a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer, or a fork and some elbow grease to do this. It’s up to you.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and stir until very smooth.
- Add the Greek yogurt, and stir until combined.
- Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour and stir until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
- Place the dough on a piece of plastic wrap, shape into a disk, wrap well, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 36 hours.
- When you are ready to bake the dough, remove it from the fridge, unwrap, and divide it into 2 pieces. Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thick on a well-floured surface, and cut into shapes (I used a 3-inch circle cookie cutter). Place the cut out cookies on a parchment- or baking-mat-lined cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees F. for 10-11 minutes. The tops of the cookies will be light but the bottom should be lightly brown.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- To make the frosting, add the butter, vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cream or milk, and the dash of salt to a large bowl, and beat until fluffy, about a minute (a stand or hand mixer works well for this). Add the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the additional tablespoon of cream or milk and beat again.
- When the cookies are completely cooled, add a generous helping of frosting and sprinkles.
Video
Notes
- Don’t skip chilling the dough. It’s a must-do step.
- You can flavor these cookies by swapping out the vanilla for an extract like lemon, orange, or even coconut or almond. It’s a delicious way to switch things up a bit. You could also do that to the icing!
Nutrition
You may also like these cookie recipes:
- Homemade Oreo Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Extra Buttery Spritz Cookies
- Grandma Lucy’s Christmas Sugar Cookies
- The Best Simple Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Aren’t they so simple and pretty but packed with all the things you love about a sugar cookie?
Highly recommend these cookies! Thanks for the recipe :). I’m always looking for ways to use up my yogurt 🙂
I did these as a drop cookie and they were magnificent. I sprinkled the top with a bit of cinnamon sugar and omitted the frosting.
Thank you for sharing the idea, it sounds amazing!
These turned out fabulous and the family loved them. I used almond flavoring and have used anise as well. Love that I add a bit of protein to fill me up so I don’t eat as many. Lol. I used salted butter. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Did you use salted, or unsalted butter?
I only buy salted, but the “correct” answer for your baking is to use unsalted. You can use what you prefer or have on hand.
? Delicious !
Fun and kinda different aren’t they! I love this recipe!
Can you freeze the dough?
I haven’t tried it. I have frozen the baked cookies with success though.
I made these with gluten free flour and they turned out amazingly! No xanthan gum or anything…. just substituted the flour. Light, fluffy and yummy!
That’s so good to know, thank you! I can’t wait to try that for my GF friends. I appreciate you taking the time to come back and let us know what worked for you.
These came out absolutely perfect! And they didn’t spread, even when I used a star shaped cookie cutter!
Aren’t they so soft too! I’m so glad you loved them!
These cookies look so delicious! I love that frosting!
They are yummy for sure! Hope you enjoy them.
These look amazing! Always love trying out new sugar cookie recipes so I will add this to my list! Thank you for sharing!