If you have a sweet tooth and crave something that melts in your mouth with just the right amount of chew, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, tender, and loaded with just the right touch of vanilla, these cookies strike the perfect balance between fluffy and chewy, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these cookies bring smiles and nostalgia in every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a vital role in creating the texture and flavor that make this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe so irresistible. From creamy butter to just a hint of vanilla, every component is there for a delicious purpose.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamed butter provides the rich, tender base that guarantees softness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of everything, giving the cookies their soft yet sturdy form.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to keep cookies from being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies spread slightly and enhances softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats each dough ball and adds a subtle sparkle and crunch on top.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly, ensuring that perfect texture throughout the batch.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which leads to soft cookies that still hold their shape beautifully.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, combined mixture. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the vanilla gives those warm, inviting notes that make sugar cookies truly soulful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dough
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the dough can cause tougher cookies, and we want these to stay soft and chewy.
Step 6: Prepare Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out your dough and roll each ball in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This final sugar coating lends a delightful sweetness and a slightly crunchy outside contrast to the soft interior.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly to encourage even baking. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, checking that the edges turn a soft golden color while the centers remain a bit underbaked for maximum chewiness.
Step 8: Cool
Allow your warm cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time helps the centers set gently, so your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe stays tender and melts effortlessly in your mouth.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of colored sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can make them look festive and inviting. Fresh fruit on the side or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can add a nice flavor twist for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your sugar cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination, or serve alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Fresh berries or whipped cream also complement these sweet, soft bites beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a charming cookie platter with an assortment of decorated sugar cookies, or sandwich two cookies together with a layer of frosting or jam for a sweet little surprise. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain soft and chewy for up to one week, allowing you to savor your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe long after baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze your unbaked cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies for convenience. Freeze dough balls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen. Baked cookies can be frozen in a sealed container and thawed overnight.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies warm, reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This brief warming revives the softness and enhances that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine?
While you can use margarine, butter provides the best flavor and texture in this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. Margarine may alter the taste and cause the cookies to spread more, so butter is recommended for optimal results.
Why are my sugar cookies not soft?
If your cookies are turning out hard, make sure not to overbake them and check that you’re using the correct ratio of ingredients. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as that can develop gluten and toughen the cookies.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles can be a delightful twist. Just fold them gently into the dough after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for an easy flavor upgrade.
Is it necessary to roll the dough balls in sugar?
Rolling the dough balls in sugar gives the cookies a slightly crunchy exterior and a beautiful sparkle. However, if you prefer a softer top or want to reduce sweetness, you can skip this step without drastically affecting the recipe.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
You can try substituting butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flax or chia egg replacer. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’s a great alternative for a vegan-friendly Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again, whether for celebrations or simple sweet cravings. It’s a recipe full of warmth, ease, and that cozy homemade feeling—baking these cookies is truly a joyous experience. So grab your mixing bowl, and let the magic begin!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are perfectly tender with a delightful chewiness and a crisp edge. Rolled in sugar before baking, they have a beautiful sweet crust that complements their soft centers. Ideal for a classic homemade treat that’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough into balls. Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create a sweet, crisp exterior after baking.
- Shape and Bake: Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand or bottom of a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden while the centers remain slightly soft for the perfect 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. This prevents breakage and allows the cookies to firm up.
Notes
- For even softer cookies, remove from oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- If you want extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the dough balls before baking; just add a couple extra minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.
