Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
One of my all-time favorite cookies to bake is the classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie. There’s something so comforting about their simplicity—the buttery dough, the hint of vanilla, and the soft texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making these cookies for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe never disappoints. I love making a batch to share with friends and family, or simply enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a warm cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. The combination of butter, vanilla, and a touch of milk creates an irresistible cookie with a delicate, chewy center and slightly crispy edges. The extra sprinkle of sugar before baking gives them a lovely sparkle and a slight crunch. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Recipe: Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for the moment.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, beating everything together until just well combined.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding them together gently until they are just incorporated. It’s essential not to overmix at this point, as that could lead to a tougher cookie. We want them tender!
Step 3: Roll in Sugar
Take tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar so that they are lightly coated. Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain soft to give that perfect chewy texture. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
Enjoy these soft and chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea—perfect for a delightful snack! They’re also excellent for holiday cookie swaps or as a simple dessert paired with your dinner.
Storage:
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for a longer time, consider freezing the dough balls before baking; then, you can simply bake them as needed.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Dough: If you’re keen on making even softer cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling and baking. This little trick helps control their spread.
- Rolling in Sugar: By rolling the dough in sugar prior to baking, you’ll achieve a lightly crisp outer coating that complements the soft and chewy inside.
- Flavor Variations: Want to switch things up? Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a zesty twist.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls, coat in sugar, and bake as directed.
Yes, these sugar cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either baked or unbaked. Just remember to thaw them before baking or enjoying.
Q3: Can I add sprinkles to the dough?
You bet! Sprinkles can be mixed right into the dough for a festive flair, or you can press them onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
Q4: What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No problem! If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to a pinch to balance it out.
Of course! You can very well mix the dough by hand using a whisk and spoon. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy.
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