If you’ve ever searched for the ultimate Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies, let me reassure you: you’ve finally found it! These cookies are impossibly tender in the center with just the right touch of crispness at the edge, and every bite brings a nostalgic burst of buttery sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing with friends, or just sneaking a treat from the kitchen late at night, these sugar cookies are guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies comes from their simple, everyday ingredients—each one plays a starring role in delivering that perfect texture and classic flavor. You probably have most of these on hand already, and together, they work a little magic!
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy foundation, creating a tender yet structurally sound cookie.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies their gentle lift, helping them puff up just the right amount.
- Baking powder: Adds lightness and ensures a soft, pillowy bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all those cozy flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies luxuriously rich and gives them their iconic chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: The star for sweetness and that delicate crunch outside—don’t forget extra for rolling!
- Large egg: Brings everything together so the cookies bake up evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds irresistible warmth and aroma in every nibble.
- Milk: Provides a touch of extra softness and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling: This step makes the crackly, sparkling surface that everyone loves.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Pantry and Preheat
Let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a few baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining the pans not only keeps the cookies from sticking, but it also helps them bake more evenly and makes cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This little step helps guarantee that your baking soda and powder are evenly distributed. No surprise salty bites or uneven baking—just perfect Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies every time!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Creaming is the secret behind those tender centers; you’re creating tiny air pockets that’ll keep your cookies from turning out dense.
Step 4: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Milk
Add in your egg, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing just until everything’s beautifully combined and smooth. If you want to experiment, throw in a splash of almond extract for a fun twist that still sings with classic sugar cookie flavor.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Now, gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until it transforms into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Overmixing is the enemy here—stop as soon as no dry flour remains and admire that soft cookie dough!
Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Sparkle
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into smooth balls, and then give each one a quick roll through extra granulated sugar. This not only gives a pretty, crackly crust but also heightens the cookie’s delightful texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart—these babies like a little room to spread. Bake for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers should still look slightly underdone; they’ll finish setting as they cool and stay irresistibly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they’re a bit fragile while hot! Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long). Now your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are ready to devour or share—if you dare.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies up with a sprinkle of edible glitter, festive colored sugars, or a drizzle of simple icing for extra pizzazz. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar can make them seem extra special, especially during the holidays!
Side Dishes
These cookies shine all on their own, but they become even more delightful alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or a mug of rich hot cocoa. If you’re serving a dessert tray, pair them with chocolate-dipped strawberries or fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider packaging Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies in little glassine bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors. Stack them in a jar for a homemade cookie gift, or arrange them in a circle around a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to 5 days—great for lunchboxes, late-night cravings, or spontaneous sweet tooth attacks.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls (after rolling in sugar) for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time, and you’ll always have Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies at the ready!
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy that just-baked coziness, pop your cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 2–3 minutes, or microwave for 5–10 seconds. They’ll be warm, soft, and just as dreamy as when they first left the oven.
FAQs
Why do my sugar cookies turn out hard instead of soft and chewy?
This usually happens if you overbake them or pack in too much flour when measuring. Be sure to slightly underbake so the centers stay chewy, and use the spoon-and-level method for your flour.
Can I make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A simple hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease with a sturdy wooden spoon will do the trick. Just make sure to cream your butter and sugar really well to get that perfect texture.
Can I add fun mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely. While classic is always a hit, you can stir in colorful sprinkles, citrus zest, or even mini chocolate chips to give your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies a little personal flare.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
The edges should look set and slightly golden, but the centers should appear soft and a little underdone. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet, guaranteeing that dreamy, chewy middle once they cool.
Can I double this recipe for a cookie swap or big party?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to mix in two separate batches if your mixer is on the smaller side, and let the cookies cool completely before storing or packaging.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something classic, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, whip up a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. Their simplicity is their strength, and once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making them for every occasion. Let your kitchen fill with that sweet, buttery aroma, and enjoy sharing these sure-to-be favorites with the people you love!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these soft and chewy sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until combined.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, roll in granulated sugar, place on baking sheets, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can also add a touch of almond extract for a subtle flavor twist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
