Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Soft and chewy sugar cookies are a timeless treat, perfect for any occasion. These cookies offer a tender texture with a subtle vanilla flavor that melts in your mouth. Easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can be substituted for gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Thoroughly mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture into the creamy butter and sugar batter, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Wrap your cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Step 7: Scoop the chilled dough into balls and roll them lightly in sugar if desired.
8. Step 8: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of citrus zest to the dough.
• Chilling the dough overnight intensifies the flavor and helps maintain chewy texture during baking.
• Use gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for an allergy-friendly option.
• Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Storage

Store the sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy a warm, chewy treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I make the cookies crisper?

To make the cookies crisper, bake them a couple of minutes longer until the edges are golden brown, and avoid chilling the dough before baking.

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 101 reviews

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies that combine a perfect balance of sweet buttery flavor with a tender, chewy texture. These classic cookies are easy to make, featuring a simple dough chilled and baked to golden perfection, ideal for any occasion or a delightful snack.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can be substituted for gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture for the cookies.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Thoroughly mix in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
4. Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
5. Chill Dough: Wrap your cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking soft cookies.
7. Form Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into balls and optionally roll them lightly in sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
8. Bake: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them adequately, and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft, providing that desirable chewy texture.

Notes

• Butter can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• All-purpose flour can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Do not overbake; remove cookies as soon as edges are set to keep a soft center.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Rolling cookie dough balls in sugar before baking adds a slight crunch and extra sweetness.

Keywords: sugar cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, classic cookies, butter cookies, easy cookie recipe