Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies that dreams are made of, you’ve just found your new kitchen go-to. These beauties have delicately crisp edges and irresistibly tender middles—a classic treat that melts in your mouth and leaves you reaching for “just one more.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is that they rely on just a handful of simple staples—but each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the perfect texture and irresistible flavor. Let’s see what makes it all work:

• All-purpose flour: The structure-builder! It gives body to your cookies so they’re sturdy, but still tender.
• Baking powder & baking soda: This dynamic duo ensures your cookies puff up ever-so-slightly and achieve that chewy center.
• Salt: Think of it as a flavor amplifier—it makes the vanilla and butter come alive.
• Unsalted butter: Softened but cool is the magic zone for rich flavor and just the right spread; don’t skip it!
• Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and contributes to that signature shiny, crackly top.
• Large egg & egg yolk: The egg adds moisture, and the extra yolk is the secret to ultra-chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best aroma and nostalgic sugar cookie flavor.
• Extra sugar for rolling (optional): A sparkling sugar coat gives irresistible texture and a little crunch.

Variations

There’s no one right way to enjoy Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies! They’re absolutely delicious as-written, but can easily flex to fit what you love or what you have in the pantry. Here are some fun ways to make them your own:

• Colorful Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Roll the dough balls in rainbow sprinkles instead of sugar before baking for a festive look.
• Citrus Twist: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, sunny flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free-Friendly: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need to avoid gluten (just keep an eye on bake time and texture).
• Almond or Coconut Infusion: Swap out half the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a delicious new flavor spin.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pans & Oven

Start by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and gives those cookies perfect bottoms. Then, preheat the oven to 350° F so it’s ready and waiting by the time your dough is mixed.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This tiny extra step ensures all the leaveners are distributed evenly, which means uniform cookies every time.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

Using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Begin at a low speed (so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere!), then increase to medium-high and whip until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for that signature chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add the whole egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the whipped butter-sugar mixture. Beat until it’s fully combined—don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides so everything mixes in evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything comes together. The dough will be thick—don’t be tempted to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough instead of tender!

Step 6: Shape & Sugar the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. For a classic look and a subtle crisp, roll each one in a little extra granulated sugar before setting on your baking sheet, leaving a couple inches between them.

Step 7: Bake (But Don’t Overbake!)

Bake one pan at a time for 8–10 minutes, just until the tops look almost set and the bottoms are a light golden color. The secret to Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is taking them out when they still look a bit puffy and even slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool on the pan.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but I love a finishing touch! Try rolling them in colored sugars before baking, a light dusting of powdered sugar after they cool, or even a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze for a bakery-style flair.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even fresh fruit like berries for a refreshing contrast to the richness of your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. They’re also wonderful paired with vanilla ice cream for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies and tie them with twine for the sweetest edible gift. For parties, display on a tiered stand or arrange on a platter with colorful paper doilies. During the holidays, pack soft and chewy sugar cookies in decorative tins—your neighbors will thank you!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

To freeze, let the cookies cool completely first. Place them in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container. For best results, enjoy within 2–3 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If you love that fresh-baked warmth, a few seconds in the microwave (about 8–10 seconds per cookie) makes them gloriously soft again. Alternatively, try a minute in a low oven (300°F) for that “just baked” magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magic about classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies—no matter your age or the season, they feel like a little celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your favorite people. Happy baking—you’ve got this!

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