There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the embodiment of that warmth. With their golden edges, tender centers, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies quickly become a beloved treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing a delightful after-school snack for the kids, or simply indulging in a little evening treat, this recipe will surely bring a smile to your face. And let’s be honest, who can resist that lightly crunchy exterior with a fluffy interior?
Why you’ll love this dish
Imagine the joy of biting into a sugar cookie that perfectly balances melt-in-your-mouth softness with a delightful chewy texture. One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make – perfect for both novice bakers and experienced confectioners looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert. Plus, it’s highly customizable; add your favorite sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts for a personal touch, making it ideal for any gathering or celebration.
"These cookies are pure magic! Soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious. I’ve made them multiple times, and they disappear faster than I can bake them!" – A satisfied home baker.
How this recipe comes together
Making Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is a delightful process. You’ll start by preheating your oven and preparing your ingredients, which helps to streamline the workflow. The butter and sugar cream together beautifully, creating a light and airy mixture that makes these cookies irresistible. After incorporating the egg and extracts, you’ll gradually blend in the dry ingredients, creating a dough that’s just waiting to be shaped. You’ll roll the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and let them bake until they are golden. In less than 30 minutes total, you’ll have a batch of warm, delectable cookies ready to enjoy!
What you’ll need
To whip up these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Feel free to swap the almond extract with an additional teaspoon of vanilla if you prefer a more classic flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is nicely blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each ball.
- Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle with a little sugar to enhance the sweetness.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before enjoying!
Best ways to enjoy it
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a treat on their own, but there are many fun ways to elevate your cookie experience! Pair them with a glass of fresh milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sandwich. For a fun twist, serve them with a side of hot chocolate or coffee during a cozy gathering. If you’re feeling extra creative, try stacking them with frosting in the middle for a decadent cookie sandwich!
How to store
To keep your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies fresh for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’d like to prolong their shelf life, consider freezing them! Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw completely before indulging!
Helpful cooking tips
- Butter matters: Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, to achieve the perfect texture.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavor of your cookies and prevent spreading in the oven.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t hold back! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or colorful sprinkles to personalize your cookies.
Creative twists
This simple sugar cookie recipe is a great base for experimenting with flavors. Try incorporating citrus zest for a refreshing twist or use flavored extracts like coconut or maple for a unique spin. You could also roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for different visual appeal.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe typically takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes for baking, making it incredibly quick for last-minute occasions.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version. Additionally, if you have a flour alternative, like almond or coconut flour, you can experiment with those, but keep in mind that the cookie’s texture and flavor may change.
How do I avoid cookies that are too hard?
Be careful not to overbake your cookies; they should still look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
With these tips, tricks, and a detailed step-by-step guide, you’ll be set to bake a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Happy baking!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful sugar cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth softness and a chewy texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup white sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is nicely blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each ball.
- Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle with a little sugar to enhance the sweetness.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before enjoying!
Notes
For a classic flavor, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract. Dough can be chilled for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg