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Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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