If you’re searching for a dessert that’s universally loved, easy to make, and utterly delicious, look no further than these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweetness, softness, and a hint of crispiness on the edges. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, birthday party, or just craving something sweet on a cozy evening, this recipe is your ticket to cookie perfection. With simple ingredients and customizable options, these sugar cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is foolproof. With straightforward steps and minimal equipment, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time.
- Versatile: Customize these cookies with mix-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or spices to suit any occasion or taste preference.
- Perfect Texture: The secret to these cookies lies in the technique—soft centers, chewy bites, and lightly golden edges create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients like butter or extracts to fit your preferences or restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps achieve the ideal texture.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cookies their soft, puffy rise.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb.
- White sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a delicate outer crunch when rolled in sugar before baking.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
- Sugar for rolling: Coats the cookies for a sparkling, sweet finish.
Optional add-ins: Sprinkles, lemon zest, cinnamon, or chocolate chips for extra flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Pro Tip: Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Whisking ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to achieving uniform cookies. Set this mixture aside for now.
Why It Matters: Properly combining dry ingredients prevents clumps and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft, airy texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
Tip for Success: Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. Softened butter should yield slightly when pressed but still hold its shape.
4. Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract (if using). Mix until everything is fully incorporated. The egg binds the dough, while the extracts add depth and warmth to the flavor.
Fun Fact: Almond extract is optional but highly recommended—it adds a subtle complexity that takes these cookies to the next level.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should come together without being sticky.
Why It Matters: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies dense and chewy in an undesirable way. Mix just until the dough forms.
6. Roll the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in ¾ cup sugar to coat evenly. This step gives the cookies their signature sweet, sparkling finish.
Pro Tip: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. It ensures consistent size and baking times.
7. Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked—that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Check for Doneness: Around the 8-minute mark, start checking the cookies. The edges should be golden, and the centers should look soft but set.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for a gooey treat or let them cool for a firmer texture.
Serving Suggestion: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for the ultimate comfort experience.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
This quick and straightforward process makes it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures proper creaming and a lighter texture. Avoid melting the butter, as it will affect the cookies’ structure.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy result.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
- Roll Gently: When coating the dough balls in sugar, press gently to avoid flattening them too much.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on these classic cookies? Here are some creative ideas:
- Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or roll the cookies in sprinkles before baking for a fun, celebratory touch.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a decadent variation.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these guidelines:
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough at room temperature before baking, or reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! Try coconut extract for a tropical twist or omit it entirely for a classic vanilla flavor.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Overmixing the dough, using melted butter, or skipping the chilling step can cause excessive spreading. Chill the dough and ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for similar results.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may appear slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to roll the dough in sugar?
Place the sugar in a shallow bowl and gently roll the dough balls to coat evenly. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain their round shape.
Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that everyone will love. With their simple ingredients, customizable options, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday party, or a quiet night at home. Follow the tips and variations provided to make these cookies your own, and watch as your friends and family rave about your baking skills.
Ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy the sweet, chewy goodness that will leave everyone asking for more!
The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (plus 3/4 cup for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar to coat evenly.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked; this is okay as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!