Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Let me share with you my all-time favorite Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. These cookies strike the perfect balance between pillowy softness and a gentle chewiness, making them utterly irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or bring them to a festive gathering, this recipe never disappoints. The buttery richness, combined with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle vanilla aroma, brings a nostalgic comfort to every bite. Trust me, once you try these, your cookie game will never be the same!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the tenderizing butter to the fluffy powdered sugar that adds a light airiness to the dough.

• All-purpose flour (2 ⅛ cups / 300g): The base that gives structure to the cookies without making them tough.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): A pinch to help the cookies rise just enough and maintain their softness.
• Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and highlighting the vanilla notes.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227g), softened: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (⅔ cup / 130g): Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie exterior.
• Powdered sugar (¾ cup / 85g): Gives a soft texture and a subtle melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Egg (1 large): Binds all ingredients and adds moisture, contributing to the chewiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, inviting flavor that complements the sweet dough perfectly.
• Additional granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g), for rolling: Creates a delightful sugary crust with just a hint of crunch.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and fine salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, which will provide balance and texture to your cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with both granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for air incorporation, giving your cookies that wonderful softness.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. The vanilla lifts the flavor, while the egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix here, as this can toughen the cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar so they’re completely coated—this gives that sparkly finish and a bit of texture.

Step 7: Bake

Place your sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart. Press each cookie ball down gently with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten slightly. This will help them bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges just set and starting to turn a gentle golden hue while the centers remain soft and appear slightly underbaked. This is the key to their chewy softness.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up just enough while retaining that perfect chew.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can make these cookies feel extra special without overwhelming the recipe’s classic flavors. Fresh berries or edible flowers also add a charming touch for gatherings.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a warm mug of milk, a frothy cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert plate. These cookies also complement fruit preserves or citrus marmalade wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a layered glass jar for a gift that looks as good as it tastes. You can also sandwich two cookies with a flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, perfect for munching throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two of extra bake time. Baked cookies also freeze well, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.

Reheating

Refresh your cookies by warming them in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes or heating individually in the microwave for 10 seconds. This revives that fresh-baked softness and chewiness every single time.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is the secret ingredient that provides both flavor and the perfect texture in this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. Substituting with margarine or oil may affect the flavor and the chewiness you’re after, so it’s best to use real butter for the best results.

What’s the difference between granulated and powdered sugar in this recipe?

Granulated sugar adds structure and a slight crispness to the edges, while powdered sugar keeps the cookies soft and tender. The combination of both is what makes these cookies uniquely soft and chewy.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles after combining your dough. Just keep the additions light so you don’t disrupt the delicate texture that defines this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Why do the cookies need to look slightly underbaked?

This is crucial. Pulling the cookies out when the centers still look soft ensures they stay moist and chewy once cooled. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly, which is the opposite of what this recipe aims for.

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

This particular recipe depends on butter, egg, and all-purpose flour for its texture and flavor. However, with careful substitutions—such as vegan butter, a flax egg, and gluten-free flour blends—you can experiment, but expect slight changes to the texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely encourage you to try this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe as soon as possible. There’s something so heartwarming about homemade cookies with that perfect soft bite, and this recipe delivers it every time. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat to brighten your day, these cookies never fail to spread a little joy. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re going to love every bite!

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