Name: Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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If your sweet tooth has ever craved a truly classic treat, this recipe for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is guaranteed to win you over. With a buttery crumb, delicate crackly tops, and irresistibly tender centers, these cookies melt in your mouth and leave you totally smitten. Baking up a batch will instantly fill your kitchen with nostalgic, homey aromas, and their simple, golden perfection makes them a hit at any gathering—or a delightfully cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe plays a starring role—there are no hidden extras, just honest pantry classics coming together for cookie bliss. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone, providing structure while keeping the cookies soft and pillowy.
Baking soda: Works quietly to create a little lift, helping achieve those iconic, crinkly tops.
Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda for just the right rise and gentle chew in every bite.
Salt: A pinch is crucial—it deepens all the buttery, sweet flavors without tasting salty itself.
Unsalted butter (softened): This is the foundation of richness and flavor, and makes the cookies delightfully tender.
Granulated sugar: Used inside and out, it brings sweetness and that signature sparkling finish.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and brings everything together for a perfectly chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Just the right amount infuses the dough with warmth and that familiar sugar cookie aroma.
Extra granulated sugar (for rolling): Rolling each cookie ensures a sweet, delicate crust and those beautiful crackles on top.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Set yourself up for success by making sure every ingredient is at room temperature and your tools are ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step guarantees even distribution of leaveners and salt, which is key for consistent, tender cookies in every batch.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. This creates air pockets that keep your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies extra tender.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. The dough will become rich, silky, and smell absolutely divine at this stage!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix—you want a soft dough that’s easy to work with, not tough.

Step 6: Form and Sugar the Dough Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and gently roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat. This is the secret to those signature sparkly, crackly exteriors on your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are barely set and the centers look a tad underbaked. This is how you guarantee that iconic, soft, and chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll finish baking from the residual heat—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to move them too soon for perfect, tender results!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are beautiful on their own, but if you like a pop of color or seasonal flair, roll them in colored sanding sugar before baking. Drizzle with a thin vanilla glaze for a touch of elegance, or add festive sprinkles while the glaze is wet for parties and holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk for nostalgic comfort or serve them with coffee or herbal tea for a sophisticated treat. They’re absolute magic alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for instant dessert bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming gifts. Arrange them on a tiered platter for an old-fashioned cookie table or nestle them into a rustic basket lined with a tea towel for dreamy gatherings and picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft and fresh for up to five days, thanks to the perfect balance of moisture in the recipe.

Freezing

If you’d like to bake ahead, you can either freeze the baked cookies or the raw cookie dough. For baked cookies, cool them completely and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray; once solid, transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two.

Reheating

Nothing beats a fresh-from-the-oven taste! Warm leftover Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies for 8–10 seconds in the microwave to restore their just-baked softness. If reheating from frozen, a quick trip to the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I double this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure to mix the dough in a large enough bowl and give your mixer a rest if needed to avoid overworking it.

Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of soft?

The most common culprit is overbaking. Be sure to take them out when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone—residual heat will finish the baking process for that coveted softness.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Certainly! Almond or lemon extract makes a fun twist, and you can stir in citrus zest, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to personalize your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but if you’d like your cookies to hold a thicker shape, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This is also handy if your kitchen is particularly warm!

Are these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies good for decorating?

While they’re scrumptious on their own, you can easily decorate them. Let them cool completely, then drizzle with glaze or pipe on royal icing—just know their tender texture may require a gentle hand.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is like bottling happiness—you get sweet, comforting flavors and that unbeatable homemade touch. Share them with loved ones, wrap them up as gifts, or savor them fresh from the oven for your own treat. I hope you enjoy every last crumb!

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic dessert that will delight your taste buds with their tender texture and sweet flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into balls, coat with sugar, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack.