If you’re a fan of Panera Bread, chances are you’ve tried (or at least eyed) their classic sugar cookies. These sweet, buttery treats are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and decorated with a dusting of sugar or festive icing depending on the season. The good news? You don’t have to make a trip to Panera every time a sugar cookie craving strikes. Today, we’re sharing a copycat Panera Bread sugar cookie recipe that’s easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and tastes just like the bakery-fresh version.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, packing a lunchbox treat, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for soft sugar cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Panera Bread Sugar Cookie Recipe
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Panera Bread sugar cookies so irresistible — and why this copycat version is worth trying:
- Soft and Buttery Texture: The secret is in the right balance of butter and sugar, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
- Not Overly Sweet: Unlike some sugar cookies that can be cloying, this one has just the right sweetness.
- Customizable: Leave them plain, roll them in sanding sugar, or decorate with frosting — just like Panera does for seasonal specials.
- Quick to Make: The dough comes together in minutes and doesn’t require chilling (unless you want to shape cutouts).
Ingredients for Panera Bread Sugar Cookie Recipe
You don’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe — just pantry staples:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled for accuracy
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – keeps the cookies light and soft
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – adds just enough lift
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – room temperature for easy creaming
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for the perfect level of sweetness
- 1 large egg – brings the dough together
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – the key to that warm bakery flavor
- 2 tablespoons milk – keeps the dough soft and pliable
- Optional: sanding sugar or colored sugar – for that Panera-style sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for soft, bakery-style cookies that taste just like Panera’s:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving a tender, soft texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
5. Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps the cookies soft.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For a true Panera look, slightly flatten the tops with the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to bake on the sheet as they cool.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Panera Bread Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter Matters: Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will make the cookies too flat.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should stay pale in color with soft centers — that’s how Panera does it.
- Decorate for Any Season: Use pastel sugars for Easter, red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or leave them plain for an everyday treat.
- Chill for Cutouts: If you want to make holiday shapes, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes, roll it out, and use cookie cutters.
Variations on Panera Sugar Cookies
This recipe is versatile. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting after cooling.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and swap half the vanilla for lemon extract.
- Almond Twist: Substitute almond extract for a nutty, bakery-style flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage and Freezing
These cookies stay soft for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months — just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the bake time.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
(Approximation, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: ~165
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Why Make Panera Bread Sugar Cookies at Home?
Besides saving money, making these cookies at home means you can:
- Control the ingredients — no preservatives.
- Make them fresh anytime.
- Customize flavors, colors, and decorations.
- Turn it into a fun baking project with kids or friends.
Final Thoughts
Panera Bread sugar cookies are a fan favorite for good reason — they’re buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet. With this easy Panera Bread sugar cookie recipe, you can recreate that café experience right in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them plain, rolled in sugar, or decorated for a holiday, these cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch today — you won’t believe how close they taste to the real thing!