Few treats bring the same cozy comfort as a warm, soft sugar cookie fresh from the oven. Panera Bread’s sugar cookies have won hearts with their perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. They’re simple yet indulgent, making them a favorite for any occasion.
We’ve recreated this beloved recipe so you can enjoy those same melt-in-your-mouth cookies right at home. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies that taste just like the originals. Let’s dive into making these classic Panera Bread sugar cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To recreate the Panera Bread Sugar Cookie experience at home, we need a precise combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below, we break down the essentials into dry, wet, and optional elements that will help us achieve that perfect soft texture and buttery sweetness.
Dry Ingredients
Our dry ingredients form the foundation of the cookie’s structure and flavor balance. Here’s what we need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Sifted for lightness |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Adds sweetness and crisp edges |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Ensures cookies rise softly |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Enhances chewy texture |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring richness, moisture, and that melt-in-your-mouth feel that defines the Panera Bread Sugar Cookie.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened to room temperature |
| Large eggs | 2 | Bind ingredients and add moisture |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Delivers signature aromatic flavor |
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
To customize our sugar cookies or enhance their classic appeal, we can add:
- Coarse sanding sugar for a sparkly, crunchy topping
- Colored sugar sprinkles to match seasonal themes or celebrations
- White chocolate chips for subtle, creamy bursts
- Finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) for added texture
These options let us tailor the cookies while staying true to the Panera-inspired taste and look.
Equipment Needed
To recreate the Panera Bread Sugar Cookie recipe perfectly, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us achieve the ideal texture and flavor that matches the bakery-quality cookies we love. Here is a detailed list of what we will need to bake these cookies precisely.
Essential Baking Tools
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for combining dry ingredients and a separate medium bowl for wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is crucial for creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which gives the sugar cookies their tender crumb.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement guarantees consistent results every time.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure even mixing of the dough.
- Baking Sheets: Flat cookie sheets without sides allow even heat distribution.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent sticking and promote even baking without the need for extra oils.
- Cooling Racks: Cooling cookies on racks prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation beneath them.
Optional but Helpful Tools
- Cookie Scoop: Allows us to portion out dough evenly, resulting in uniform cookie sizes and consistent baking.
- Sifter: Helps aerate dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar for a finer texture.
- Kitchen Scale: For professional precision, especially if you prefer weighing ingredients over volume.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Essential |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugar | Essential |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Essential |
| Spatula | Scrape bowl sides, fold dough | Essential |
| Baking Sheets | Bake cookies evenly | Essential |
| Parchment Paper/Mats | Prevent sticking, promote even baking | Essential |
| Cooling Racks | Allow cookies to cool properly | Essential |
| Cookie Scoop | Portion dough uniformly | Optional but recommended |
| Sifter | Aerate dry ingredients | Optional |
| Kitchen Scale | Measure ingredients precisely | Optional |
With this equipment on hand, we set ourselves up for success to create Panera Bread sugar cookies that not only taste amazing but showcase perfect texture and appearance every time.
Prep Work
Before we dive into mixing the dough, proper prep work is crucial to ensure our Panera Bread Sugar Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and flavorful.
Preparing the Baking Sheets
To achieve the ideal texture and prevent sticking, we start by preparing our baking sheets:
- Line each baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This creates a smooth, non-stick surface for the cookies.
- If you prefer, lightly grease the baking sheet with unsalted butter or non-stick spray; however, parchment paper is preferred for even baking.
- Arrange the baking sheets so they are easily accessible when ready to bake.
- For consistent cookie size and shape, have a cookie scoop or tablespoon ready to portion the dough.
| Preparation Step | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line baking sheets | Prevent cookies from sticking | Use parchment or silicone mats |
| Lightly grease (optional) | Additional non-stick layer | Use unsalted butter or spray |
| Prepare scooping tool | Even cookie sizes for uniform baking | Use cookie scoop or spoon |
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven sets the stage for perfectly baked sugar cookies.
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature balances browning with a tender crumb, mimicking Panera Bread’s signature soft texture.
- Allow the oven to reach the full temperature before baking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Position an oven rack in the middle to promote even heat circulation.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as this causes temperature fluctuations impacting cookie texture.
“Consistent oven temperature is the silent hero behind bakery-quality cookies.”
With our baking sheets prepped and oven ready, we’re set to mix and bake these irresistible Panera Bread Sugar Cookies with confidence.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create our Panera Bread Sugar Cookie dough, shape, and bake the perfect batch of cookies at home. Attention to detail ensures bakery-quality results.
Making the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. This adds rich moisture and depth to the dough.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tender cookies.
- Optional Add-Ins
If desired, fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips or ¼ cup finely chopped nuts for texture and flavor variations.
Shaping the Cookies
- Prepare Your Work Surface
Lightly flour a clean surface or use parchment paper for shaping to prevent sticking.
- Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into uniform balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even baking and consistent cookie size.
- Shape and Add Toppings
Gently flatten each dough ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle the top generously with coarse sanding sugar or colored sugar sprinkles for the classic Panera look.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the oven rack positioned in the middle. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Bake
Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve warm for that irresistible softness.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Butter & Sugar | Room temperature | 3-5 minutes | Beat until fluffy |
| Bake Cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 10-12 minutes | Edges golden, centers soft |
| Cool on Sheet | Room temperature | 5 minutes | Prevents breaking |
Cooling and Serving
Once the cookies come out of the oven, cooling properly ensures we lock in that soft, buttery texture reminiscent of Panera’s famous sugar cookies. Here’s how we handle the final steps for the best results:
Cooling Steps
- Rest on the Baking Sheet
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This short rest period lets the edges set while the centers remain tender.
- Transfer to a Cooling Rack
Using a spatula, gently transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. The airflow around the cookies prevents sogginess and promotes even cooling.
- Cool Completely Before Serving or Storing
Wait until the cookies are at room temperature, about 15-20 minutes, to let the flavors fully develop and the texture firm up without losing softness.
| Cooling Stage | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| On baking sheet | 5 minutes | Set edges, maintain soft centers |
| On cooling rack | 15-20 minutes | Ensure even cooling, prevent sogginess |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Panera Bread Sugar Cookies slightly warm to enjoy that melting softness and buttery richness.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or a comforting cup of tea or coffee to enhance the sweet, vanilla notes.
- For an elegant touch, dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Storing Tips
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tip: To soften refrigerated or frozen cookies, warm them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds for that fresh-baked feel again.
By following these cooling and serving steps carefully, we safeguard the signature softness and sweet flavor that make the Panera Bread Sugar Cookie Recipe truly exceptional.
Storage Tips
To preserve the soft, buttery texture and sweet flavor of our Panera Bread Sugar Cookies for as long as possible, follow these careful storage guidelines.
Room Temperature Storage
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This step prevents moisture buildup and sogginess.
- Place the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Ideal storage duration at room temperature:
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container | Up to 3 days | Maintains softness and flavor best |
“For best results, enjoy the cookies within the first 3 days to savor their signature softness.”
Freezing for Longer Freshness
- Freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the partially frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
- Label the container with the freezing date for reference.
Freezing storage duration and thawing tips:
| Storage Method | Duration | Thawing Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Freezer Bag | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes |
“Freezing preserves the cookies’ fresh-baked taste while extending their shelf life significantly.”
Reheating Tips to Recapture Freshness
- Warm cookies slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to regain softness.
- Alternatively, microwave a single cookie for 10–15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
- Avoid overheating to prevent drying out or burning.
By following these Storage Tips, we ensure every bite of our Panera Bread Sugar Cookies stays as delightful as the first.
Conclusion
Baking Panera Bread Sugar Cookies at home is a rewarding way to enjoy that perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor whenever we want. With simple ingredients and clear steps, we can recreate a bakery-quality treat that’s soft, flavorful, and customizable.
Taking the time to prep properly, bake carefully, and store thoughtfully ensures each cookie tastes just right. Whether we’re sharing with family or savoring a quiet moment, these cookies bring a little extra comfort and joy to our day. Let’s keep baking and enjoying every delicious bite together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Panera Bread-style sugar cookies at home?
You need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Optional add-ins include sanding sugar, colored sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.
What equipment do I need to bake these sugar cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber spatula, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, and cooling racks. Optional items are a cookie scoop, sifter, and kitchen scale.
How should I prepare before mixing the dough?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, and position the oven rack in the middle for even heat. Lightly greasing the sheets is optional but not recommended.
How do I make the cookie dough?
Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in sifted dry ingredients. Fold in optional add-ins if desired, shape dough into balls, flatten, and top with sugar before baking.
What is the baking time and temperature for these cookies?
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
How should I cool the cookies for the best texture?
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack for 15-20 minutes to cool completely, which helps maintain a soft, buttery texture.
Can I customize the sugar cookies?
Yes! You can add coarse sanding sugar, colored sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or finely chopped nuts to customize flavor and appearance while keeping the classic taste.
How should I store the sugar cookies to keep them fresh?
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container separated by parchment paper at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer inside a freezer bag.
What’s the best way to serve these sugar cookies?
Enjoy them slightly warm, paired with milk or tea. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies before serving.