If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is your golden ticket. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender, pillowy texture and just the right touch of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without overpowering the palate. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because, this recipe delivers irresistibly soft centers encased in a delicate sugary crust, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in transforming simple pantry staples into irresistibly delightful cookies. From the creamy butter that brings moisture and richness to the flour that forms a delicate structure, every element contributes to the cookie’s magical softness and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base needed for soft cookies that hold their shape.
- Baking powder: Helps give just the right gentle lift and fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Adds softness by reacting with the acidic ingredients to lighten the texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses richness and moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is a must, and the sugar also creates that lovely slightly crisp exterior when rolled.
- Egg and egg yolk: The egg binds ingredients together while the extra yolk adds extra chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the cookie’s flavor beautifully.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with a lovely bottom texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisking ensures these components are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform texture and rising.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a softer cookie. Then, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, blending everything together for a smooth, fragrant base.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Form Dough Balls
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the dough into 1-inch balls. If you like a sparkling, sweet crust, roll each ball gently in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar. This adds a delightful texture contrast after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls spaced apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures they remain chewy and soft once cooled. Let them rest on the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious all on their own, a sprinkle of colored sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add visual interest and a hint of extra sweetness for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or a refreshing cup of tea. The creamy beverages complement their soft texture beautifully, making every bite feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe in decorative tins or wrap them with festive ribbons. Get creative by sandwiching them with flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting to turn them into delightful cookie sandwiches that impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They typically stay fresh for up to 4 days and will still taste heavenly each time you reach for one.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead or preserve extras, freeze the dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, briefly warm your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This instantly brings back that tender texture and fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter is preferred for its richer flavor and better texture. Using butter helps achieve the true softness and chewiness this recipe promises.
Why are my sugar cookies not soft and chewy?
Common reasons include overbaking or overmixing the dough. Bake just until the edges are set to keep them soft. Also, avoid mixing the flour too vigorously once added to the wet ingredients.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can be gently folded into the dough before baking for a fun twist on this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe.
How do I make the cookies thicker?
For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking or roll the dough balls a bit larger. You can also reduce the baking time slightly to prevent them from spreading too thin.
Is it necessary to roll the dough balls in sugar?
Rolling in sugar adds a subtle crunch and beautiful sparkle, but it’s optional. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and chewy without it.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe and sharing them with loved ones. This recipe’s perfect balance of simple ingredients and foolproof technique will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So don your apron and get ready to fill your home with the captivating aroma of freshly baked cookies that everyone will adore.
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe yields deliciously tender cookies with a perfectly balanced sweetness and a slightly crisp edge. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing or holiday treat platters.
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.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Then add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Form Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each dough ball in the additional ¼ cup granulated sugar to add a subtle crunch and extra sweetness on the outside.
- Bake: Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have set but remain soft in the center. Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; remove from oven as soon as edges are set.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- To make the dough easier to handle, chill for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a slight crunch and decorative sparkle to cookies.
