Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies embody everything we love about classic bakery treats: crackly exteriors, melt-in-your-mouth centers, a hint of vanilla, and just the right balance of sweetness. Unlike typical sugar cookies that can be dry or crisp, this recipe yields a pillowy texture that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap or just craving a nostalgic dessert, these cookies are destined to steal the spotlight. Get ready to bake your new go-to sugar cookie!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is their simple ingredient list. Each component brings something special to the table, creating that signature chew, delightful flavor, and beautiful golden finish. Let’s take a look at what makes each ingredient essential.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base of the cookie, ensuring the perfect thickness and chew.
• Baking soda: A touch of leavening gives these cookies their soft lift and helps keep them tender.
• Baking powder: Adds just enough rise to prevent the cookies from becoming dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip this tiny, important element!
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it creates that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: The main sweetener and what gives the cookies their sparkly finish when rolled before baking.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: For that beloved aromatic boost — homemade or pure extract works best.
• Milk: Just enough to soften the dough and guarantee a chewy bite. Add gradually for perfect consistency!
• Additional sugar (for rolling): A simple but magical step that gives the cookie tops a sparkling, lightly crisp coating.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure your cookies bake up with perfectly golden bottoms.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, setting your cookies up for consistent softness in every batch.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your largest mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and slightly pale. This process usually takes 2–3 minutes and is key for creating those signature Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and creamy. Don’t underestimate this step — the vanilla gives the cookies their nostalgic flavor, while the egg keeps the structure soft and inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, stopping when the dough is supple but not sticky. This guarantees your dough will bake into soft, chewy treats every time.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkly, lightly crisp finish. Place them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Flatten and Bake

Gently press each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten just slightly. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set and centers look barely underbaked. This is the ultimate secret for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies, so resist the urge to overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, locking in that irresistible softness.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Sometimes a simple dusting of extra granulated sugar is all you need, but you can also jazz things up. Try a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of colorful sanding sugars, or even a hint of edible glitter for celebrations. These little touches make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies as eye-catching as they are tasty.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a cold glass of milk, or even an easy homemade fruit compote. If you want to serve them with a grown-up twist, a cup of rich espresso or chai is a perfect pairing that enhances their sweet vanilla notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack the cookies in a tall glass jar with a ribbon, or arrange them in neat rows on a festive platter. Slather the bottom of two cookies with your choice of buttercream or ice cream for delightful sandwich treats. Don’t forget—Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies also make the sweetest edible gift wrapped in cellophane bags with a handwritten tag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, allow your cookies to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. If you find them starting to firm up, a slice of white bread in the container can help retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough for those moments when you crave Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in a hurry. For already-baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. For dough, scoop and roll into balls, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. Simply thaw and bake as needed.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their just-baked warmth, a quick few seconds in the microwave will restore their softness. For reheating a batch, arrange cookies on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3–5 minutes. Enjoy them as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it in this recipe. Just reduce the added salt by half to balance out the flavors in your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

Why do my cookies come out flat?

Cookies can spread too much if the dough gets too warm, or if there’s not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and keep their signature chewiness.

Can I add sprinkles or colored sugar?

Absolutely! Rolling the cookies in sprinkles or colored sanding sugar before baking is a fun way to tailor your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies for holidays or special occasions.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Just make sure the blend also contains xanthan gum if you want to closely match the texture of traditional Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

What’s the secret to making them soft and chewy?

The magic is all about not overbaking and adding just enough milk to keep the dough moist. Remember, taking the cookies out when the centers look slightly underdone guarantees that classic softness after cooling!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that’s both comforting and universally adored, these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies deliver every time. Trust me, one batch will never be enough—so don’t be surprised when they disappear almost as soon as they hit the cooling rack. Bake, share, and spread a little sweetness!

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