If you’re searching for a treat guaranteed to bring comfort, joy, and pure cookie bliss, look no further than this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. With perfectly crisp edges and pillowy centers, these classic cookies strike the ultimate balance between buttery flavor and a delightful, nostalgic texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re sharing a plate with friends, baking with the kids, or sneaking one (or three) with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers unbeatable results every time. Prepare to be instantly transported back to joyful kitchen memories with every sweet, sparkly bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Packing a powerful punch with just a handful of everyday staples, the ingredients for this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe prove that magic can happen in the simplest ways. Each component plays a starring role, from creating that signature tender crumb to infusing rich vanilla warmth and irresistible sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure so your cookies hold their shape without becoming dense.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, making them delightfully puffed and soft.
- Baking powder: Balances the texture and helps achieve that perfect chewiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness really pop.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The backbone of flavor and tenderness—be sure it’s perfectly soft for creamy blending.
- Granulated sugar: Builds sweetness and gives those coveted sparkly tops when rolled before baking.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds a bit of richness for that classic sugar cookie bite.
- Vanilla extract: The heart of the cookie’s warm, cozy aroma—use pure vanilla for the best results.
- Milk: Adds just enough moisture to keep the cookies extra soft and tender.
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Don’t skip this step! Rolling the dough creates a stunning finish and that signature sugary exterior.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick step guarantees that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every cookie comes out with the same soft and chewy texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy—give it a solid 2 to 3 minutes. This integrates air into the dough, setting you up for cookies that are beautifully tender and won’t spread too thin.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Milk
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until everything is well incorporated. This trio creates a smooth, rich foundation so your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe shines with big, bold flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until combined. Overmixing makes cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour. The dough should be soft and a little sticky—that’s when you know it’s perfect!
Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll them generously in additional granulated sugar. This is the hallmark move of the Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe—your cookies will bake up with the most irresistible sparkling crust!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, watching closely for edges that are just set and centers that still look soft. Don’t be tempted to overbake—this is the secret to capturing the cookies’ famous chewy heart.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to finish setting their shape, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist devouring them all while they’re still warm (or don’t—it’s completely understandable)!
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe an extra flair by sprinkling them with colored sanding sugar before baking, drizzling with a hint of melted white chocolate, or even dusting with a light pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist. These thoughtful touches add style and personality to every batch.
Side Dishes
While these cookies are heavenly on their own, serve them alongside a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, dreamy dessert pairing. They also shine nestled next to fresh fruit or a bowl of berries for a vibrant, playful snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or parties, stack your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe on a tiered tray, tie mini stacks with ribbon for edible gifts, or use fun cookie cutters to shape the dough for any celebration. Feeling extra festive? Turn them into ice cream sandwiches or crumble them over a sundae bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly soft and tender for several days—just layer with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is a champion when it comes to freezing! You can freeze dough balls before baking or finished cookies once they’ve cooled. Use a freezer bag or airtight container and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw cookies at room temperature or bake dough balls straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, simply pop a cookie (or three) in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. They’ll emerge soft, tender, and just as delightful as when first made—perfect for when that spontaneous craving strikes!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough for the Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe can be prepared up to two days in advance and chilled until you’re ready to bake. Chilling can even help the flavors develop further.
Why do my sugar cookies sometimes turn out hard?
Overbaking is often the culprit. Keep a close eye during the final minutes—the edges should be set, but the centers should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool, staying soft and chewy.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
While brown sugar will create a slightly different texture and a caramel-like flavor, it will also make the cookies denser and less classic. For that traditional Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe experience, stick to granulated sugar.
How can I add more flavor to the cookies?
A splash of almond extract, some fresh citrus zest, or a sprinkle of cardamom can add a fun twist. Try rolling the dough in colored sugar for a festive look and a hint of crunch!
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe will still be wonderful—just monitor the bake time as they may cook a little faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about pulling a tray of these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe delights from the oven—the scent alone has the power to gather everyone in the kitchen! Don’t wait for a special occasion to try them; bake a batch soon and experience firsthand why this recipe is such a beloved classic. Share, savor, and make your own delicious memories!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious with a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Additional:
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and milk; beat until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Form cookies: Scoop dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add almond extract or colored sugar before baking.
- These cookies freeze well and stay soft when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
