If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something irresistibly delightful, you’re in for a real treat with this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender softness and just the right amount of chewiness, making them an absolute joy to bite into. With simple pantry staples transforming into little rounds of warm, sugary happiness, this recipe is a must-have for any home baker who loves classic flavors and effortless baking bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in getting that perfect texture and flavor that makes these cookies so memorable. From the richness of the butter to the slight tang of baking soda, this lineup of ingredients is straightforward yet perfectly crafted to guarantee success every time.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies, keeping them sturdy yet soft.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that helps your cookies rise just right.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and contributes to the chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling: Sweet and sparkly, the sugar also forms a delightful crust on the outside.
- 1 large egg: Brings moisture and richness, binding the dough together perfectly.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds extra softness and chewiness to the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting flavor that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed through the flour, creating a uniform texture in each bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This aeration step is essential as it helps give the cookies a lovely tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. The combination of the whole egg and extra yolk introduces moisture and richness, leading to that coveted chewy texture that soft cookies are known for.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that could develop the gluten and make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Step 6: Form Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you love a little sparkling sugar on your cookies, roll each ball in the extra ¼ cup of granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be just turning golden while the tops remain slightly underbaked to achieve that soft and chewy magic.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of colored sugar crystals before baking to add a touch of elegance and extra flavor. A light glaze of vanilla or lemon icing can also elevate their simple sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your soft and chewy sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee to complement their rich, buttery flavor. They also make a lovely companion to fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in pretty stacks tied with twine for gifting, or create a cookie platter with assorted flavors and decorations for celebrations. These cookies also work wonderfully as a base for ice cream sandwiches, adding a sweet and chewy contrast to cold, creamy fillings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week without losing any of their tender bite.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing solid before transferring to a sealed bag or container. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Finished cookies freeze well too—just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their softness, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave or warming them in a low oven for a few minutes will bring back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and chewiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, which will make the cookies even softer and chewier. Feel free to swap some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly different but delicious twist.
Why are my sugar cookies not soft and chewy?
Overbaking is usually the culprit; baking until just set keeps them soft. Also, using an extra egg yolk as this recipe does adds chewiness, so make sure not to leave that out. Properly creaming the butter and sugar helps too.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles are great additions that bring extra flavor and texture, making the cookies uniquely yours without sacrificing that beloved softness.
Is it necessary to roll the dough in sugar before baking?
Rolling in sugar gives the cookies a delightful sparkle and a slightly crispier exterior that contrasts nicely with the chewy inside. However, it’s completely optional if you prefer a more straightforward look.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chilling the dough briefly can help maintain the shape. Also, spacing the dough balls well apart prevents them from merging into one giant cookie.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, chewy sugar cookie fresh out of your own oven, and this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe truly delivers that joy with every batch. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect recipe to share with friends and family or to enjoy as your own personal comfort treat. So grab your mixing bowl, gather these basic ingredients, and treat yourself to the sweet happiness these cookies bring—you won’t regret it!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them a favorite treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and aerated.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light in texture. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir or mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and form a smooth dough.
- Form dough balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. For extra sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture, optionally roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with enough space between them to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; the centers should look slightly undercooked when you remove them from the oven.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading for thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For more flavor variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or substituting some vanilla extract with almond extract.
