Welcome to a culinary revelation that happened almost by accident! We recently stumbled upon a tweak to our beloved Swig Sugar Cookies recipe that elevated it to new heights of deliciousness, and we simply couldn’t keep this secret to ourselves. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a Swig Sugar Cookie, imagine a perfect balance between a cloud-like, pillowy soft sugar cookie and a crisp, buttery shortbread. These cookies aren’t just buttery and soft; they’re an experience, a little piece of heaven in every bite, and now, thanks to our fortunate misstep, they’re even better than ever!
The story behind this incredible improvement begins last winter, during a baking session with our daughter. With a well-stocked cold storage in our basement, we usually have all the baking ingredients we need. However, as winter had set in, that room became quite chilly, and the thought of venturing down there for a few missing items wasn’t appealing. Instead of a trip to the cold, I decided to experiment with the ingredient ratios we had on hand for our classic Swig Sugar Cookies. It was a moment of improvisation that turned into a truly delightful surprise.
By adjusting the quantities of shortening and powdered sugar from our original recipe, we unintentionally created a batch of cookies that were superior in every way. This “happy accident” resulted in a texture and flavor profile that truly surpassed our expectations. And now, we’re thrilled to share this enhanced version of the beloved Utah favorite, Swig Sugar Cookies, so you can enjoy these irresistible treats too!
The Swig Phenomenon: More Than Just Cookies
For those unfamiliar, Swig is an iconic soda shop that originated here in Utah and has since expanded rapidly across the nation. While they’re famous for their innovative and delicious soda and flavor combinations, their cookies have developed a cult following of their own. If you’ve never had the chance to visit a Swig location, you absolutely must! They’ve become a local institution, and with one located less than two miles from our house, you could say we have a dangerously close connection to their sugary delights.
I’ll be completely honest: I’m not a soda drinker myself. The unique drink concoctions at Swig, while incredibly popular with my kids and almost everyone I know, don’t quite capture my attention. However, their cookies are an entirely different story! Good heavens, they are utterly irresistible. Swig offers a selection of about five or six different types of cookies, but without fail, I find myself gravitating back to their classic Swig sugar cookie time and time again. There’s just something about its simple yet profound deliciousness that keeps me coming back for more, and this recipe perfectly captures that magic.
Crafting the Ultimate Swig Sugar Cookie Copycat
The internet is brimming with copycat Swig Sugar Cookie recipes, but I can confidently tell you that our recent ingredient adjustment makes all the difference. This recipe stands out by utilizing a thoughtful blend of both butter and butter-flavored shortening for its fat content, creating an unparalleled richness and tender crumb. For sweetness, we combine granulated sugar with powdered sugar, a duo that contributes to the cookies’ soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are not just good; they are, dare I say, the *one true* Swig cookie copycat you’ve been searching for.
One of the distinctive characteristics of an authentic Swig cookie is its chilled nature. When you purchase them from the shop, they often come cold, as if straight from the refrigerator. This isn’t just a quirk; it’s a key part of the experience. The cool temperature slightly firms up the creamy frosting, creating an ideal texture that makes for the most perfect bite. We highly recommend mirroring this by popping your freshly frosted cookies into the fridge for about half an hour before serving them. This simple step truly enhances their unique appeal and delivers that authentic Swig experience right in your home kitchen.
The Unsung Hero: Cream of Tartar FTW!
No discussion of these incredible cookies would be complete without highlighting a crucial, often overlooked ingredient: cream of tartar. Whenever we incorporate cream of tartar into a recipe, like our hugely popular Peanut Butter Banana Bread, we invariably receive a flood of questions about it. It seems many home bakers don’t keep this versatile spice on hand quite as regularly as we do. But take our word for it – go out and buy a jar! You won’t regret it.
In the context of these copycat Swig sugar cookies, cream of tartar is indispensable. It’s the secret weapon that adds just the right touch of tanginess, a subtle brightness that cuts through the sweetness and perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cookie. Beyond its taste contribution, cream of tartar also plays a role in achieving that desirable soft and chewy texture by preventing sugar crystallization. It’s a small addition that makes a monumental difference, transforming these from merely good sugar cookies into truly exceptional ones that perfectly mimic the Swig original.
Frost Yourself: The Perfect Pink Topping
While the cookie itself is a masterpiece, it’s truly the frosting that catapults these Swig Sugar Cookies into an unforgettable league of their own. Just as cream of tartar imparts a delightful tanginess to the cookie, sour cream introduces a similar, yet distinct, tang to the frosting. This creates an exquisite balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dances on your palate, all wrapped up in a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture. It’s the ideal counterpoint to the rich, soft cookie beneath.
Swig famously dyes their sugar cookie frosting a charming pink hue, and we’ve followed suit to capture that authentic look. However, feel free to customize the color to suit any occasion! Imagine these beautiful cookies with pastel blues for a gender reveal party, elegant whites for a bridal shower, vibrant greens for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, or simply their classic pink for a cozy, lazy Sunday afternoon treat. This versatile frosting not only tastes divine but also provides a canvas for your creative expression, making these cookies perfect for any event or just a simple indulgence.
The Art of the Rough Edge: Achieving Swig’s Signature Look
One of the most recognizable and beloved features of an authentic Swig sugar cookie is its distinctive rough edge. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it contributes to the cookie’s unique texture, offering a slight crispness that beautifully contrasts with its soft interior. Achieving this signature look is surprisingly simple, but it requires a specific technique. Here’s how you master it:
- How to Press Sugar Cookies with Sugar:
Begin by scooping out a portion of dough roughly the size of a golf ball. Roll this piece of dough between your palms until it forms a smooth, uniform circle. Next, place the dough ball onto your prepared cookie sheet. The magic happens with a simple drinking glass. Lightly spray the bottom of a flat-bottomed drinking glass with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then dip the bottom of the glass into a shallow plate of granulated sugar. This sugar will adhere to the bottom of the glass. Now, gently but firmly press the sugar-coated bottom of the glass onto each dough ball. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch. You can adjust this thickness slightly; pressing them a little thinner will result in a crispier cookie, while leaving them slightly thicker will yield a chewier texture. Repeat this process for all your cookies, and you’ll have that perfect, rustic Swig edge.
- Never Frost a Warm Cookie:
This is a golden rule in cookie decorating, and it’s especially important for these Swig Sugar Cookies. Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting. You absolutely must wait until the cookies are completely cooled to room temperature before attempting to spread on that dreamy, tangy frosting. Applying frosting to warm cookies will cause it to melt, slide off, and create a messy, unappealing result. Once they’re cool, however, you’re ready to transform them into the irresistible treats you’ve been craving. We can hardly wait for you to try these ultimate copycat Swig sugar cookies! So, gather your ingredients, get your hands in the dough, and start baking, my friend. Xoxo!
More Irresistible COOKIE RECIPES You’re Going to Love:
Once you’ve mastered these delightful Swig Sugar Cookies, you might find yourself with a renewed passion for baking. If so, we have an extensive collection of other fantastic cookie recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From classic chocolate chip to unique flavor combinations, there’s something for every cookie lover. Dive in and explore these tempting treats:
- Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies
- Thick Snickerdoodle Cookies
- NY Times BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Glazed Lemon Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Million Dollar Cookies
- White Chocolate Molasses Cookies
- Nutella and Dulce de Leche Stuffed Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lemon Drop Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Swig Sugar Cookies and Frosting Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 Cup Butter, softened
- 3/4 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 5 1/2 Cups Flour
For the Frosting
- 1/2 Cup Butter, unsalted and softened
- 3/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 5 Cups Powdered Sugar
- Pink Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine softened butter, butter flavored shortening, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.1 Cup Butter, 3/4 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening, 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
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Add the eggs to the mixture and mix again until well combined.2 Eggs
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In a separate bowl, add the cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to the flour, then whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly.1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar, 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda, 1 teaspoon Salt, 5 1/2 Cups Flour
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Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet butter mixture in the stand mixer. Continue mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together and is fully combined. Avoid overmixing.
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Using an ice cream or cookie scoop, portion out golf-ball sized chunks of dough. Place these dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, ensuring to leave enough space between them (no more than 6 cookies per sheet) to prevent the edges from touching as they bake and spread.
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Gently roll each scooped cookie dough ball until it is smooth and perfectly round.
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Prepare a kitchen drinking glass by lightly spraying its bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Dip the bottom of the glass into granulated sugar, ensuring it’s coated. Use this sugar-coated glass to press down on each cookie dough ball until it’s flattened but not completely thin, aiming for about 1/2 inch thickness. This creates the signature rough edge. Repeat for all cookies.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown and the center of the cookies no longer appears wet. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their softness.
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Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting step.
For the Frosting
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In a clean bowl, using either a hand mixer or a clean bowl for your standing mixer, combine the softened butter, sour cream, and salt. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.1/2 Cup Butter, 3/4 Cup Sour Cream, 1 teaspoon Salt
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting with 4 cups and mixing on low speed until smooth. For a thicker frosting, which we almost always prefer, incorporate the full 5 cups of powdered sugar.5 Cups Powdered Sugar
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To achieve the classic Swig look, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring until you reach a soft pink hue. We typically use 3 drops, but adjust to your desired shade.Pink Gel Food Coloring
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Using an offset spatula or a knife, spread a generous layer of the finished frosting evenly over each completely cooled cookie. For an authentic Swig experience, chill the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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