These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert with a light vanilla flavor, a soft center, and a slightly crisp edge. They’re easy to make and bake up beautifully every time, making them perfect for holiday baking, parties, or whenever you’re craving a classic treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft with just the right amount of chew.
- Classic Flavor: A light vanilla flavor shines through, making them deliciously simple.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re ideal for last-minute baking.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Form the Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
- Lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Whisk and mixing spoon
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Wire rack for cooling
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy these cookies as is, or serve with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and bake as directed.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Festive Decorations: Top with colored sugar, sprinkles, or drizzle with icing for special occasions.
- Almond Flavor: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle almond flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even softer cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Even Coating: Roll the dough balls evenly in sugar for a consistent, beautiful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading, try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
5. How can I make these cookies even softer?
For extra soft cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. With their soft texture and lightly sweet vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to disappear fast!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 Minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the epitome of comfort and simplicity. Each cookie is perfectly balanced with a tender, chewy texture and a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With their light golden edges and soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup of sugar to coat. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten and Bake: Lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill for Extra Softness: For an even softer texture, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
- Festive Touch: Add a sprinkle of colored sugar or festive sprinkles before baking for a decorative look.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
