Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between tender softness and just the right amount of chewiness. When you bite into these, you’ll notice how they practically melt in your mouth, yet have enough texture to keep things interesting — a true classic cookie experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is a fantastic go-to that feels both indulgent and comforting.

When I first tried this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe, I was surprised at how simple the ingredients were, yet the result felt bakery-worthy. You’ll find that the combination of butter and sugar creamed together really makes these cookies special, and rolling them in sugar before baking gives such a delightful sweet crust. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your new favorite for gatherings, gifting, or an anytime snack!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe work effortlessly together to create that flawlessly tender texture and sweet flavor. I recommend using fresh baking powder and unsalted butter at cool room temperature for the best results — these small details make a huge difference!

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure to measure properly by spooning and leveling for consistent cookies.
• Baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a soft, light texture—freshness matters here.
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors in every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Using cool room temperature butter helps create that chewy texture without melting too fast.
• Granulated sugar: Part of it creamed with butter for tenderness, and extra for coating to add a delightful sugary crust.
• Large egg and egg yolk: Adds richness and moisture — the yolk especially helps keep the cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the simple flavors.

Variations

I love how flexible this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is — once you nail the base, there are so many fun ways to make it your own. Whether you want to add a little twist or cater to dietary needs, there’s a variation perfect for everyone.

• Add cinnamon or citrus zest: I like to add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or some orange zest for a cozy or bright flavor boost that’s perfect for holidays.
• Chocolate chip twist: Mixing in mini chocolate chips gives these cookies an irresistible melty surprise.
• Gluten-free option: Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend works great — just watch the texture and add a tablespoon of milk if needed.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg to keep the cookies chewy and moist.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl — this helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly for perfect cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and 1¼ cups of sugar at medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic starts: properly creamed butter traps air, which helps create that soft crumb in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla for Richness

Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed, then add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping the bowl sides as needed — this gives you a smooth, rich dough base full of flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Slowly mix in the flour mixture on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the dough can develop gluten and make the cookies tough. A few streaks of flour are okay, but you want an even dough overall.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough Balls

Pour the remaining ¼ cup of sugar into a shallow dish for rolling. Using a large (about 3 tablespoons) spring-loaded scoop, portion out the dough into balls, then roll each in the sugar to coat evenly. This sugar coating adds a lovely crunchy exterior contrast to the chewy inside.

Step 6: Flatten and Bake

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup — I find dipping it in sugar first prevents sticking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies set and just start to brown around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up a bit without losing that yummy soft and chewy texture.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these cookies, but sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a festive touch. For holidays, sprinkles right after rolling in sugar create a fun colorful crunch that kids and adults both enjoy.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or rich hot chocolate — my family always reaches for these combos! For a brunch or dessert platter, I pair them with fresh fruit and vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve presented these cookies is as cookie sandwiches filled with a luscious homemade vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. They’ve also been a hit when decorated with royal icing for festive themes, making them perfect for parties and bake sales.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture — a trick I discovered that really works!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I like to freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, pop them straight in the oven adding an extra minute or two to baking time—super convenient for last-minute baking.

Reheating

To bring leftover cookies back to life, I warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or a few minutes wrapped in foil in a low oven. This softens them up without drying them out, making them taste fresh-baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. I love sharing it with friends and family, and hearing how they keep coming back for more. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both classic and satisfying, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try — you really can’t go wrong, and I promise all the smiles at your table will prove it.

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