Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe for Everyone to Enjoy

Crafting the perfect soft and chewy sugar cookies requires a delicate touch and a dash of baking magic.

These delightful treats promise to melt in your mouth with their incredible texture.

Cookie enthusiasts will adore the simple yet irresistible blend of ingredients that create pure sweetness.

Each bite transports you to a world of comfort and nostalgia.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with confidence.

The secret lies in understanding precise mixing techniques and ingredient temperatures.

Sweet memories are just moments away when you pull these golden beauties from the oven.

Ready to become the neighborhood’s most sought-after cookie master?

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Perfect for weekend baking projects that bring everyone together, creating sweet memories while enjoying delicious homemade cookies.
• Designed with simple steps and basic ingredients, this recipe welcomes novice bakers with foolproof techniques and guaranteed delicious results.
• Adaptable for various occasions like potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings, these cookies always receive rave reviews and empty plates.

Ingredients That Go into Soft Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cookie, provides structure and texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and become soft.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, soft texture. Use unsalted, room temperature butter for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp edges with soft centers.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer that gives depth to the cookie.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle, nutty background flavor.

• Extra Granulated Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creates a sparkling, sweet exterior and adds crunch.

Baking Guide for Soft Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350°F (175°C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper so cookies won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set the mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a big mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture. This takes about 2-3 minutes of passionate mixing.

Step 4: Introduce Moisture Magic

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional but delightful)

Blend until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 5: Unite Dry and Wet Worlds

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix gently- you want them combined, not beaten into submission.

Step 6: Shape Sweet Rounds

Scoop dough and roll into perfect little balls. Roll each ball in extra sugar for a sparkling exterior. Place these sugar-coated treasures on baking sheets, giving them breathing room of about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into the oven. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges hint at golden glory while centers remain soft and tender.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow complete cooling. Watch them disappear quickly!

Tips for the Best Soft and Chewy Texture

• Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just golden and centers look slightly underbaked to ensure soft, chewy results.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like lemon or orange to add unique flavor profiles to your sugar cookies.
• Maintain Freshness: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their soft and chewy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicious taste and texture.

Save and Reheat Sugar Cookies with Ease

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying their soft texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

What to Serve with Soft Sugar Cookies

• The classic whole milk brings out the sugary softness, creating a smooth, comforting taste experience that highlights the cookie's delicate texture.
• Cold, rich vanilla ice cream complements the warm sugar cookie, offering a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully together.
• The gentle, floral notes of chamomile tea provide a light, soothing backdrop that balances the cookie's sweetness without overwhelming its delicate flavor profile.
• A sweet moscato or late harvest riesling can elevate these cookies, adding a sophisticated touch with its subtle fruity undertones that dance alongside the cookie's sugary essence.

Sugar Cookie Flavor Options to Explore

• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of a regular egg.
• Lemon Lavender Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest and dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant, citrusy variation that elevates the classic recipe.
• Almond Flour Sugar Cookies: Swap half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser cookie with a rich, tender crumb.

Soft And Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet sugar cookies promise pure comfort with their delicate edges and rich buttery center. Homemade classic treats invite bakers to savor each delightful crumb, creating memories of warmth and happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 ¾ cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an even cooking surface.
2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform base for the cookies.
3. Transform butter and granulated sugar into a light, airy mixture by beating them together for 2-3 minutes, developing a creamy texture.
4. Incorporate moisture and flavor by adding egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well integrated.
5. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
6. Form perfect cookie portions by scooping dough into small balls, then rolling each in extra granulated sugar for a sweet, crystalline exterior. Arrange the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching for a subtle golden edge while keeping the centers soft and slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their tender texture and ensuring easy removal.

Notes

• Soften butter ahead of time to room temperature for smooth, even creaming with sugar.
• Use room temperature egg to ensure better ingredient integration and consistent cookie texture.
• Chill dough for 15-30 minutes before rolling to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Avoid overmixing cookie dough to maintain tender, soft texture and prevent tough cookies.
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning and consistent cookie color.
• Swap almond extract with additional vanilla for nut-free version or different flavor profile.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to 5 days.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg