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
Scale
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
