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
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 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.
