Sugar cookies are a classic treat enjoyed by all ages, and with the right recipe, you can create a soft and chewy sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. This guide will take you through everything from ingredient selection to baking techniques, so you get perfect results every time. With helpful tips, a step-by-step recipe, and answers to common questions, you’ll become a sugar cookie expert in no time.
Why Choose Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?
When it comes to sugar cookies, many people have a preference: soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy. Soft and chewy sugar cookies offer a pillowy texture, a tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and totally customizable. Let’s dive into the recipe that guarantees soft, chewy cookies every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these soft sugar cookies truly shine, each ingredient plays a critical role. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups, 218 g) – Provides structure to the cookies. Make sure to measure it accurately to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon each) – These leavening agents work together to give the cookies lift, keeping them soft and fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup, 200 g + 1/4 cup, 50 g for rolling) – The main source of sweetness. Rolling the dough in sugar gives the cookies a slight crunch and beautiful appearance.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 113 g) – Provides richness and softness. Room-temperature butter is best for even mixing.
- Large Egg – Adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the cookies.
- Almond Extract (Optional, 1/2 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle, nutty hint that complements the vanilla and elevates the cookie’s flavor profile.
These ingredients come together to create the perfect sugar cookie texture: soft, chewy, and a little crisp on the edges.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
With this recipe, you’ll be able to bake delicious cookies that look and taste like they came from a bakery. Let’s get baking!
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Room Temperature Butter and Egg: Allow the butter and egg to reach room temperature. This helps ensure even mixing, which is essential for a smooth, well-blended dough.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
3. Add the Egg and Extracts
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. These ingredients add flavor and moisture, ensuring that the cookies stay soft and flavorful.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
5. Shape and Roll the Dough Balls
- Roll the dough into 2-ounce balls and coat each one with the remaining sugar. Rolling in sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and gives the cookies a slightly crisp exterior.
6. Chill the Dough
- Place the dough balls in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling prevents excessive spreading in the oven, helping the cookies keep their thick, chewy texture.
7. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes, just until the edges are set, and the centers are puffy and cracked.
8. Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step helps the cookies firm up while keeping the center soft and chewy.
Tips for Perfect Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Achieving the ideal soft and chewy texture requires a few essential tips. Here’s what you need to know for consistent success:
- Measuring Flour Correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dense. For accuracy, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs mix more easily, leading to a lighter, smoother dough.
- Avoid Over-Baking: The cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling isn’t just for convenience; it solidifies the fat, helping the cookies maintain shape and preventing them from spreading too thin.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Sugar Cookies
Understanding what goes into each soft and chewy sugar cookie can help you enjoy this treat without guilt. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
While these cookies are a sweet indulgence, they’re made with simple, quality ingredients that add a touch of comfort. Enjoying these treats in moderation can fit into a balanced diet.
FAQs About Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For extra softness, place a slice of bread in the container; the moisture from the bread will help prevent the cookies from drying out.
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw the dough balls slightly before baking, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed
If your cookies spread too thin, it could be due to warm dough. Be sure to chill the dough as directed, and avoid over-mixing the ingredients, which can introduce too much air and cause spreading.
For thicker cookies, increase the chilling time to 1 hour or more. This helps the dough hold its shape better during baking.
Yes! These cookies pair beautifully with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can spread on your favorite frosting for an extra-special treat.
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, from their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture to their simple ingredients and easy preparation. Now that you know all the tricks to making the perfect batch, you’re ready to bake cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy!
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- Chewy Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Cookies
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect balance of sweetness. Quick and easy to make, they’re great for any occasion and simply irresistible!
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup (50 g) for rolling
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a subtle flavor boost)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a smooth texture and ensures the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined. This step adds moisture and flavor to the dough, creating that chewy sugar cookie texture.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Take care not to over-mix; doing so may result in a tougher cookie.
- Form the Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 2-ounce balls and coat each one with the extra granulated sugar. This not only adds sweetness but gives the cookies a lovely sparkle and a slight crunch on the outside.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough balls in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them thick and chewy.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the centers appear puffy and slightly cracked.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step helps them finish setting and ensures that soft, chewy bite we all love.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and egg come to room temperature before starting. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smoother, fluffier dough.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough might be tempting to skip, but it’s what keeps your cookies thick and chewy instead of thin and crispy.
- Almond Extract: Adding almond extract is optional, but it can enhance the flavor, giving a subtle, sweet hint. Only a small amount is needed to make a noticeable difference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Easy sugar cookie recipe, Easy sugar cookie recipe, Homemade sugar cookies