If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances softness with a delightful chew, then this Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Every bite melts tenderly on your tongue but just enough gives to make it truly satisfying. These cookies combine simple, everyday ingredients into a magical treat that looks inviting and tastes like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual afternoon snack, or just because, this recipe promises consistently delicious results that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are familiar yet crucial to achieving that ideal texture and flavor. Each element plays its part, from giving structure to adding moisture and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation that forms the cookie’s body, helping create softness when combined properly.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right lift to keep the cookies tender without puffing them up too much.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking soda to produce that perfect light crumb in each bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Richness and moisture come from here, ensuring the cookies stay soft and luscious.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and a little crispness when the cookie edges bake.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping the dough together while adding moisture for chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth of flavor that feels like home.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): Gives a touch of hydration that keeps the dough soft—an easy secret for chewy texture.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkly, slightly crunchy finish to the cookie exterior.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. This simple prep work is key to ensuring the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which makes clean-up much easier too.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well distributes the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, which helps give your cookies their signature lightness and chew.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process traps air, aiding in the soft texture of your cookies and giving them a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Milk
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and milk. The egg and milk bring moisture and richness, while the vanilla infuses each bite with a cozy, sweet aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here because too much so-called “kneading” develops gluten and can make cookies tough. Aim for a soft dough that holds together nicely.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Roll the balls in extra granulated sugar—this adds a shimmering finish and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft centers.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges just set but the centers to still look slightly soft—that’s where the magic of “soft & chewy” happens.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps firm up the structure while keeping the center tender. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—and resist grabbing one warm if you can!
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are wonderful just as they are, but you can add a festive touch by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or decorating with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Sprinkles or colored sugar rolled onto the dough balls can turn these beauties into holiday stars that brighten any cookie platter.
Side Dishes
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe pairs beautifully with classic milk or a rich cup of coffee. For an adult twist, try them alongside a glass of chilled vanilla or almond milk, or serve them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cookies on a decorative plate tied with a ribbon for gift-giving, or arrange them alongside fresh fruit and nuts on a dessert board. They also make a great base for cookie sandwiches filled with jam, frosting, or cream cheese for a fun, handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the cookies moist and soft, preserving the delicious chewy texture for up to a week.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare them in advance, these cookie dough balls freeze beautifully. Simply scoop and roll the dough, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for freshly baked cookies whenever you want.
Reheating
Refresh your cookies by warming them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the cookie back to that freshly baked feel without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might lose their softness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep flavors balanced.
How do I make my sugar cookies thicker?
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them nice and plump.
Why do my sugar cookies come out dry?
Dry cookies usually result from overbaking or too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly and watch your bake time closely, removing them when the edges are firm but centers still look soft.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can personalize your Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe while maintaining their beloved texture.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I hope it will in yours too. The gentle balance of textures and simple sweet flavors make these cookies a crowd-pleaser every single time. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and prepare to fill your home with that irresistible, comforting aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies. You won’t regret it!
Print
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic treat, perfect for anyone craving a tender, sweet cookie with a delightful chewiness. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they bake up beautifully soft with just a hint of crispness on the edges, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
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
Extras
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls and Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar to give them a slightly crisp and sweet crust once baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- For a bakery-style finish, gently press the tops of the dough balls with the bottom of a glass before baking to slightly flatten them.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture; the centers should still look slightly soft when removed from the oven.
