Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something undeniably joyous about biting into Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies — that magical moment when the edges are just crisp enough, but the centers yield with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This recipe is a nostalgic favorite that never gets old, with a buttery flavor and sparkling sugar crust that makes any day a little brighter. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any cookie craving!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies such standouts is their simplicity: each ingredient plays a role in creating those perfect, tender bites. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a couple of tips on why each one matters for your cookies’ flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them soft and tender.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread slightly and rise just the right amount.
• Baking powder: Assists with lift for a lighter, fluffier crumb.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness so your cookies taste vibrant, not flat.
• Unsalted butter, softened: The creaming of butter gives these cookies their rich, tender base and a lovely buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Both beats into the dough for sweetness and rolls on the outside for that signature cookie sparkle.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds that chewy, moist crumb we all love.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, classic aroma.
• Milk: Just a bit makes for a softer dough that bakes up especially chewy.
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling: This little finishing touch gives each cookie its beautiful, sugary crust.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is. Line baking sheets with parchment paper — this makes for easy cleanup and helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick step means your leavening agents are spread evenly throughout, ensuring your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies aren’t lopsided or dense in spots.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This creaming process not only gives volume to your dough but also creates the foundation for a soft, tender crumb.

Step 4: Mix in Egg, Vanilla, and Milk

Beat the egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the creamed mixture. The dough should look silky at this point. This combination guarantees those Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are as moist and flavorful as possible.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix—stirring until you see no streaks of flour is perfect for keeping the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar the Dough

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each one in the extra granulated sugar. This step adds that classic crunchy coating on the outside, making every bite sparkle. Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Flatten and Bake

Gently press the tops of each dough ball with the bottom of a glass to lightly flatten them. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges set and the centers still look a tad soft — trust the process, they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra splash of color and flavor, top your cookies with sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a dusting of edible glitter while they’re still warm. You can go classic with plain sugar, or make your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies shine with a burst of lemon zest or a tiny pinch of cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Side Dishes

Pairing is part of the fun! Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert pairing. On a holiday cookie platter, Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies balance perfectly among richer treats or spiced bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack and tie the cookies with twine for a charming homemade gift, or layer them in a mason jar between rounds of parchment paper. If you’re hosting, arrange them atop a cake stand with fresh berries and edible flowers — they’ll look as irresistible as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to five days — though if your house is anything like mine, they almost never last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough balls. Place baked cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. For dough balls, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Either way, your future self will thank you when the next cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

Want that “just-baked” coziness? Pop a cookie (or two) in the microwave for 10 seconds, and they’ll regain their warm softness. If reheating from frozen, a couple of additional seconds does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Just be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half, since salted butter already has sodium. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor, but both work well for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

Why did my cookies turn out cakey instead of chewy?

If your cookies puffed up and came out cakey, it’s usually because of over-measuring the flour or over-baking. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, and be extra careful not to leave the cookies in the oven too long — the centers should look just barely set when you take them out.

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

Definitely! Stir in up to 1 cup of your favorite add-ins, such as white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries. The base recipe for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is super versatile.

Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can make the cookies a touch thicker and intensify the buttery flavor. It’s totally optional, but a fun tweak if you want to experiment.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour, and you’ll have Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies that taste just as delightful and are safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts simple, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. With their sparkling tops and buttery flavor, these are the kind of cookies that instantly make any moment feel special. Grab your favorite mixing bowl and give them a go — you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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