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panera bread sugar cookie recipe

Panera Bread Sugar Cookie Recipe

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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Method
 

  1. Beat 1/2 cup butter and 4 oz cream cheese on medium for 2 minutes, add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat 2 more minutes, then mix in the egg, 1 tsp vanilla, almond extract, and sour cream on low for 30 seconds.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then fold into the butter mixture in 2 additions on low until no dry streaks remain.
  3. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough into 3-tbsp balls, place 2 inches apart, and press to 3/4-inch thick.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set and tops look matte. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for at least 20 minutes.
  5. Beat 1/2 cup butter for 1 minute, add sifted powdered sugar, heavy cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and salt, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until smooth. Add food coloring if using. Spread frosting onto cooled cookies and add sprinkles before the frosting sets.

Notes

The cookies look underdone when they come out of the oven, and that's correct. They set up as they cool. If you want to get ahead, the dough can be refrigerated overnight and baked the next day, which actually improves the flavor slightly.