If you’ve ever wished for a truly irresistible cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite, then this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft tenderness and just the right amount of chew, making them an absolute favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. Rich with buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive holiday gathering. Best of all, they’re delightfully simple to make, meaning your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked sugar cookies you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe calls for classic, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create the magic. Each element plays a key role: from the buttery softness to the subtle lift and the gentle sweetness, these simple components combine for an unbeatable cookie experience.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure while keeping the cookie tender.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift for a perfect, delicate crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to help create that soft yet chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling: The sweetness that gives cookies their signature sparkle and a slight crunch when rolled.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients while adding moisture for softness.
- 1 egg yolk: Boosts richness and chewiness in every bite.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with that wonderful classic flavor everyone loves.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking, which is key to keeping their soft texture intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead of time makes sure they get evenly distributed throughout your dough, resulting in consistent flavor and texture in each cookie.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light. This creaming step is crucial; it incorporates air, which helps create that soft and chewy interior we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The extra egg yolk adds extra moisture and richness, giving these cookies that perfect chewiness that’s so addictive.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle to maintain the soft texture.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls for even baking. For a little extra sparkle and crunch, roll the dough balls in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets. This coating gives a beautiful finish and a delightful texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re set but still soft in the center. The edges will be just lightly golden, signaling they’re perfectly done. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps them firm up while staying soft inside.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, adding simple garnishes can elevate them for special occasions. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of colorful sanding sugar makes them festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve your soft and chewy sugar cookies alongside a glass of cold milk for the classic pairing, or enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Their subtle sweetness complements beverages beautifully, making snack time feel like a little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling creative, sandwich these cookies with a layer of vanilla or chocolate buttercream for a decadent treat. You can also dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and add sprinkles for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe over multiple days without losing their lovely texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll maintain their softness well for up to three months. For dough, shape the balls and freeze them on a tray before storing in a bag—bake from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness. This little trick makes them taste like they came straight from the oven all over again.
FAQs
What makes these sugar cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of both an egg and an extra egg yolk, along with softened butter, helps create a moist dough. Using baking powder and baking soda together also ensures a tender crumb with just enough chew.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
While you can experiment with brown sugar, the traditional granulated sugar provides the cookie’s signature sweetness and that light, slightly crispy sugar coating. Brown sugar may change the texture and flavor slightly.
How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if you find the dough too soft. Also, rolling the dough into firm balls and spacing them well on the baking sheet helps keep their shape.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or festive sprinkles is a fun way to customize these cookies without compromising their soft, chewy texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for baking ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing cookie that hits all the right notes, this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking and special enough to impress guests. I promise, once you make these, your cookie jar will never be empty for long!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe yields 40 delicious cookies with a tender texture and sweet, buttery flavor. These classic treats are perfect for any occasion and easy to make, featuring a simple blend of flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla. The dough is rolled into sugar-coated balls and baked to golden perfection, resulting in irresistibly soft and chewy cookies.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar until creamy and light to create a fluffy base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can cause toughness.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Optionally, roll each ball in the reserved ¼ cup granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Bake Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center to retain a chewy texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
- Cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps the cookies set before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
