Name: Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
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)

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!