I always find the sugar cookies from Potbelly Sandwich Shop to be irresistible. Their perfect combination of a chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness and crispness makes them one of my favorite treats.
Imagine my excitement when I discovered ways to recreate these delectable morsels at home! Baking these cookies brought the cozy warmth and delicious aroma of Potbelly’s kitchen right into my own.
What makes the Potbelly sugar cookie recipe so special is the attention to detail. From the slightly melted butter that contributes to the cookies’ chewiness to the sugar coating that offers a slight crunch, every ingredient plays an important role.
What’s important is to be careful in each step of the process, respecting the temperatures and measurements that yield cookies true to the beloved original.
Whether it’s for a family gathering, a friendly get-together, or just a personal treat, these copycat Potbelly sugar cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Key Takeaways
- Recreating Potbelly sugar cookies at home brings the store’s flavors to your kitchen.
- Accurate measurements and specific ingredients are key to achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies:
- All-purpose flour – I use 2 3/4 cups, which provides a sturdy foundation for the cookies while keeping them tender. (Nicole Carey Co.)
- Baking soda – Just 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise a bit, giving them that perfect texture.
- Baking powder – Half a teaspoon further ensures a little lift in each bite.
- Salt – A pinch of salt, usually about 1/4 teaspoon, is all it takes to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – I love using a whole cup of unsalted butter because it lets me control the saltiness, and it needs to be partially melted.
- White sugar – You can’t have sugar cookies without sugar! I find that 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar work best.
- Egg – One large egg binds everything together wonderfully.
- Vanilla extract – A splash, around 2 teaspoons, of vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
To begin, I make sure to set my dry ingredients together after sifting: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Meanwhile, the butter and white sugar are creamed until they’re nice and fluffy.
A pro tip is to have the butter only partially melted; this way, it blends better with the sugar, creating that irresistibly chewy texture we’re aiming for.
Now let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with the scent of homemade sugar cookies!
Preparation Steps
To start baking my beloved copycat Potbelly sugar cookies, I first pre-heat my oven to 375°F. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick helps in effortless removal of cookies later on. You’re welcome!
In a medium-sized bowl, I whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. I set this mixture aside.
A stand mixer comes in handy to cream together the partially melted butter and white sugar until the concoction is light and fluffy.
I then add a splash of vanilla to my butter and sugar mixture because every great cookie deserves a hint of vanilla. I’m always guilty of adding extra vanilla!
Next, I slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. During this mixing process, I am careful to mix just until combined—over-mixing is the enemy of the perfect cookie texture!
Now, it’s time to shape our cookies. Using a cookie scoop, I form equal-sized balls of dough and put them onto the prepared cookie sheet. By doing this, not only do I keep my cookies uniform, but I also get to feel like a professional baker in my own kitchen.
Finally, bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. I watch diligently because even an extra minute can mean the difference between soft, pillowy cookies and crispy ones!
Once baked, I remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. I then transfer them with a spatula to a cooling rack. If you don’t have a cooling rack, I would invest in one. It really helps the texture. Here, they’ll cool down enough to achieve the ultimate Potbelly sugar cookie texture—ready for the first delightful bite!
Baking and Cooling
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m here to guide you through some of the most common curiosities about making Potbelly sugar cookies.
What are the easiest steps to make Potbelly sugar cookies at home?
To make Potbelly sugar cookies at home, start by creaming partially melted butter with sugar, then mixing in vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl and combine it with the butter mixture. After shaping the dough into balls, roll them in sugar and bake until just golden. Find more guidance on Nicole Carey Co.
How can I make a healthier version of Potbelly sugar cookies?
I can make a healthier version by using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Also, I can reduce the butter amount and use a part of applesauce to maintain moisture.
What are the nutrition facts for a Potbelly sugar cookie?
A single Potbelly sugar cookie typically contains about 220 calories, along with 10 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbs, and protein coming in at 2 grams.
How can I achieve the same softness as Potbelly sugar cookies when baking at home?
To achieve the softness similar to Potbelly’s cookies, make sure your butter is partially melted before mixing and avoid overbaking. Baking just until the edges are set gives you that delightful chewy center.
What techniques can I use to improve the taste of packaged sugar cookie dough?
To improve the taste of packaged dough, add a splash of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, enhancing the flavor profile. Chilling the dough before baking can also help develop a better taste.
Is there a secret to making store-bought sugar cookie dough taste like it’s homemade?
Yes, there is a secret. I add a touch of almond extract and roll the dough balls in a mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking. This gives the cookies a fresh and customized flavor.
Potbelly Sugar Cookie Recipe, Best Soft And Chewy
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings10
minutes12
minutesWhipping up a batch of cookies that taste just like Potbelly’s Sugar Cookies is easy and delicious!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, into the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and prevent clumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Optional: Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat them evenly.