Oh my goodness, where do I even start with these soft and chewy sugar cookies? There’s something about the smell of buttery, sweet cookies baking in the oven that just fills my heart with joy! I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; my cousins couldn’t get enough! They disappeared faster than I could take them out of the oven. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up, even on a busy day. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these delightful treats that everyone loves. Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy gathering, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find every excuse to bake a batch! Let’s dive into the recipe—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious cookies, and they’re all super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. It’s the secret to that rich, buttery flavor!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sugar gives our cookies that sweet taste and helps them achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds everything together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: I absolutely love adding vanilla; it enhances the sweetness and gives the cookies a lovely aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie dough! This gives structure, so don’t skimp on measuring.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps our cookies rise a bit, creating that nice soft center.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder to give a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor in the cookies.
That’s it! Simple and straightforward, right? Now, let’s get ready to bake these little delights!
How to Prepare Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the magical process of making these soft and chewy sugar cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; you’ll love the smell!
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is combined. Make sure it’s nice and creamy!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
- Form the cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them, as they will spread a little while baking.
- Bake to perfection: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They might look a little soft in the middle, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready for the deliciousness!
And there you have it! Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-rewarding. Now, grab a glass of milk and treat yourself to these delightful cookies!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your soft and chewy sugar cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor!
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the middle. Trust me, they’ll continue to firm up while cooling!
- Room temperature ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and better texture. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract for a fun twist on the classic flavor!
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. It’s a game changer!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create cookies that will have everyone raving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy days!
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for any occasion, from parties to cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins, like sprinkles or chocolate chips.
- Guaranteed to impress family and friends—everyone loves a classic sugar cookie!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional values of these delightful soft and chewy sugar cookies. While I’m not a nutritionist, I can give you a rough idea of what you’re looking at for each cookie based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: About 7g
- Saturated Fat: Around 4g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 20mg
- Sodium: Roughly 50mg
- Carbohydrates: About 20g
- Sugar: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Around 2g
- Fiber: Less than 1g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, life’s about balance, right? Enjoying a soft and chewy sugar cookie every now and then is definitely worth it!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Got questions about making the perfect soft and chewy sugar cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I store these cookies, and how long do they last?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe. It’ll work perfectly fine, and your cookies will still taste delicious!
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even colorful sprinkles for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins might change the texture a bit, so balance is key!
What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?
The secret to soft cookies is to not overbake them! Pull them out of the oven when the edges are just lightly golden and the centers still look a bit puffy. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your soft and chewy sugar cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay yummy at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit. No need to reheat—these cookies are delightful at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your soft and chewy sugar cookies, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them warm with a big glass of cold milk—it’s such a classic combo! You can also pair these delightful cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist on a sundae. Feeling fancy? Try drizzling them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra treat. And don’t forget about coffee or tea; they make for a cozy afternoon snack! Whatever you choose, these cookies are sure to shine!
For more delicious recipes, check out Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies or Butter Pecan Cookies!
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies: 7 Steps to Blissful Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add almond extract.
- You can sprinkle sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft and chewy sugar cookies
