The Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves that perfect cookie bite — where the edges are just golden and the center stays delectably soft and tender. These cookies strike a flawless balance between sweet simplicity and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just because, this recipe brings warmth and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays an essential role in crafting that ideal texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the perfect pinch of salt that enhances sweetness, every element works in harmony to create cookie magic.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender, chewy crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the soft texture when creamed with butter.
- Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- All-purpose flour, 2 3/4 cups: The base structure that keeps the cookies sturdy yet soft.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds slight lift to prevent the cookies from getting too dense.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps with browning and contributes to the perfect chewy texture.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (for rolling): Creates a sweet, slightly crunchy coating on the cookie surface.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy — a little prep that goes a long way.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the soft texture you’re after.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, while vanilla brings that signature sweet warmth that makes these cookies special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents, which is key to consistent texture in your cookies.
Step 5: Gradually Blend Dry into Wet Ingredients
Add the dry mixture gradually to your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make cookies tough, so keeping this step light guarantees that soft, tender bite.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Balls and Roll in Sugar
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and then roll each one in the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar. That sugar coating adds a subtle crunch and a sparkling finish that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten them slightly for even baking. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft and just a bit underbaked — this is key to chewiness.
Step 8: Cool Wisely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they set properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps maintain their soft texture without becoming too fragile.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Feel like adding a little extra flair? Sprinkle a tiny pinch of colored sugar or edible glitter right after rolling your dough balls in sugar for a festive touch. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can turn these cookies from everyday treats to delightful showstoppers.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy cup of tea, or a fresh brew of coffee. Their sweetness complements the bitterness and creaminess of these drinks, elevating your snack time to pure comfort bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack these sugar cookies in a beautiful jar tied with a ribbon or arrange them on a decorative platter layered with parchment paper. You can even sandwich a small spoonful of jam or cream between two cookies to create an irresistible cookie sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your soft and chewy sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft for up to a week, perfect for daily snacking or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This little trick refreshes their chewiness and can make them taste as if they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful and reduce the added salt a bit to avoid your cookies tasting too salty. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt perfectly, but either works.
Why do my sugar cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies often mean the dough was overmixed, your butter was too soft or melted, or the temperature wasn’t correct when baking. Make sure you cream butter and sugar just right, chill the dough a bit if needed, and bake at the specified temperature for the best rise and texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles can make these cookies uniquely yours. Just fold them in gently after adding the dry ingredients to keep that soft and chewy consistency intact.
Is this recipe suitable for making cut-out cookies?
This dough is best for rolled balls and slightly flattened cookies. For cut-outs, you might want a dough that’s a bit firmer and stiffer. However, you can chill this dough thoroughly and roll it out carefully if you’re looking to try cut-outs.
How do I make my sugar cookies extra soft?
To boost softness, don’t overbake — pull them from the oven when the centers still look a touch underbaked. Also, using room temperature ingredients and proper creaming ensures tender results. Adding a small amount of cornstarch to the dough can help, but this recipe already nails softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly that. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that wow factor in texture make this a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Grab your mixing bowl, invite a friend or two, and bake up a batch full of smiles and sweet 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
Description
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are classic treats, featuring a tender texture with a slightly crisp edge and a sweet vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and bake quickly to deliver warm, delightful cookies every time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Finishing
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, then roll each ball in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to give the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and flatten each ball slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers remain slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Flatten dough balls slightly to ensure even baking and soft centers.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a festive touch, try rolling dough balls in colored sugar.
