If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between soft tenderness and chewy delight, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies bring both nostalgic comfort and a touch of homemade magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re making a batch for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies never fail to satisfy that sweet craving with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle vanilla sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the ideal batch of sugar cookies is all about the right balance of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that signature softness and chewiness, while also contributing to the cookie’s gentle sweetness and golden color.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape without becoming too dense.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give the cookies a slight lift and tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Key for that rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a light, crisp exterior when optionally rolled on the surface.
- Egg and egg yolk: Provide moisture and richness that contribute to the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to create the ideal baking environment. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly is essential to distribute the leavening agents evenly, contributing to the perfect rise and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter together with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until it becomes light and creamy. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter and sugar trap air, giving your cookies a tender crumb and slight puffiness.
Step 4: Add Egg, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Mix in one large egg, an additional egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The extra egg yolk adds richness and moisture, which makes the cookies gloriously soft and chewy, while the vanilla brings a fragrant warmth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, so mix until the dough comes together smoothly but remains tender.
Step 6: Form Dough Balls
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. For an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, roll each ball in a bit of the reserved ¼ cup granulated sugar. This simple step adds a delightful sugary crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges just set with a pale golden base — this triggers that perfect soft and chewy texture once cooled.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your soft and chewy sugar cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a charming, delicate finish that also adds a hint of sweetness. For festive occasions, decorating with colorful sugar crystals or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their visual appeal and taste.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, whipped coffee, or even a glass of cold milk, balancing their sweetness perfectly. They also make an excellent companion to fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your cookies in pretty jars tied with ribbons as thoughtful homemade gifts. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies around a spread of frosting or jam for an irresistible twist that adds fun variety without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your soft and chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their signature texture for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling on over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious treats longer, freeze the dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. Bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh the warmth and softness of your sugar cookies, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This quick step revives that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, making each bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
What makes these sugar cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of both an egg and an extra egg yolk along with the precise balance of baking powder and baking soda helps create a tender crumb with just enough chew. Creaming the butter and sugar properly also traps air, which contributes to their lightness without drying them out.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe when using salted butter, so your cookies don’t become overly salty.
Is it necessary to roll the cookie dough in sugar?
Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar is optional but recommended. It adds a sweet, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior, enhancing the overall cookie experience.
How thin or thick should I make the cookies?
Forming 1-inch dough balls works perfectly for achieving the soft and chewy texture without spreading too thin. If the dough spreads too much, chilling it briefly before baking can help control the thickness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can be folded into the dough for added flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overload the dough to preserve the classic soft chewiness.
Final Thoughts
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and share, bringing classic cookie comfort with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are incredibly forgiving and rewarding. Give this recipe a try and get ready to smile as these tender, sweet treats become your new favorite go-to for all occasions.
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings (cookies) 1x
Description
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb and sweet vanilla flavor, they are easy to make and yield perfectly chewy cookies every time. This recipe provides a reliable method for creating delightful sugar cookies that are slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
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 allow easy removal of cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, optionally roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by checks at the 8-minute mark.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
- Rolling cookies in sugar before baking gives a slightly crunchy exterior and extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness for several days.
- Variations can include adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
