There is nothing quite like enjoying a batch of homemade soft and chewy sugar cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite. This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is a tried-and-true classic that strikes the perfect balance between a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right hint of sweetness. Each cookie has that addictive softness that keeps you coming back for more, making it an all-time favorite for cookie lovers and a fantastic treat to share with friends and family. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a simple cozy afternoon snack, these cookies bring a warm, comforting joy that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the soft texture and delicious flavor you crave, from the creamy butter to the hint of vanilla that pulls everything together.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softening the butter is key to achieving that tender and chewy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough when creamed with butter.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and moisture for a perfect soft crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together for that classic cookie bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps with gentle rising for a pillowy softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to give slight lift and tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a delightful sugary crust on the outside of each cookie.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents your cookies from sticking, giving you that perfect round shape with minimal effort.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is where the magic starts, as the air incorporated here helps produce the soft texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg adds richness and moisture, while the vanilla elevates the cookie’s flavor to irresistible levels.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed in the dough, giving your cookies consistent texture and flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here, as too much mixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the lovely soft and chewy texture we want.
Step 6: Prepare Dough Balls
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Then, roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This creates a slightly crunchy, sugary crust that’s so satisfying against the soft interior.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to give them room to spread. Flatten each slightly to encourage even baking. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn golden but the centers are still a bit underdone for that perfect chewiness.
Step 8: Cool
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them firm up without losing their soft and chewy charm.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of colored sugar, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a simple drizzle of melted chocolate. These small touches make the cookies shine, perfect for festive gatherings or gifting.
Side Dishes
Pair your soft and chewy sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of tea, or your favorite coffee blend. The warmth and creaminess of these drinks complement the cookie’s sweetness perfectly, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies in a jar or wrapping them up with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with a layer of frosting, jam, or even Nutella for a fun twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months, then bake as usual, just adding an extra minute or two if needed. For baked cookies, place them in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This simple trick brings back the delightful chewy texture every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for margarine in this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While you can use margarine, butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine often contains more water, which can result in less chewy and flavorful cookies, so butter is the preferred choice here.
Why are my sugar cookies too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the butter was too soft or the dough was too warm when baking. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes beforehand can help maintain a thicker, chewier cookie.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles can be folded into the dough before baking for a fun twist. Just be sure not to add too much to keep the soft and chewy texture intact.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the chewy texture of gluten.
What’s the secret to getting my sugar cookies soft and chewy every time?
The key is not overbaking—pull the cookies out when the edges are golden but the centers are still a bit soft. Also, creaming the butter and sugar well and using both baking powder and baking soda helps achieve that tender, chewy sensation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that offers that perfect soft, chewy bite coupled with classic sweetness, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become your new go-to for every occasion. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked sugar cookies that everyone will adore!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 a classic treat featuring a tender, buttery texture with a sweet vanilla flavor. Rolled in sugar before baking, they develop a delightful slightly crisp edge while remaining soft and chewy inside. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and yield 24 delicious servings.
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
Additional
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and homogeneous, ensuring an even flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine 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 salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create a sweet, crunchy coating on the exterior of the cookies.
- Shape and Bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden but the centers still appear slightly underbaked to keep them soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows them to set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbaking is key; do not overbake.
- Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- You can add sprinkles or cinnamon sugar instead of granulated sugar for a fun variation.
