Soft and Best Chewy Sugar Cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for any occasion and irresistibly delicious. These cookies strike the ideal balance between sweetness and softness, making them a delightful treat for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, versatile, and foolproof. The cookies are buttery and soft in the center, with a lightly crisped edge, making them the ultimate sugar cookie. They come together quickly, making them ideal for a last-minute dessert or a special treat for guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the soft texture.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat them in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked to ensure a chewy texture.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty flavor.
Almond Lovers: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Festive Touch: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles for holidays or themed parties.
Frosted Delight: Top cooled cookies with a thin layer of royal icing or buttercream.
Spiced Version: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
For freezing, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes.
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FAQs
How can I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Avoid overbaking; the centers should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps retain moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to using overly softened butter or not chilling the dough. Ensure the butter is just softened, and refrigerate the dough if it feels too soft.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Absolutely! The slightly firm edges make them great for icing or decorating with sprinkles and edible embellishments.
Conclusion
These chewy sugar cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for every occasion. Their soft texture and vanilla-infused flavor make them irresistible to cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you enjoy them plain or dress them up with decorations, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and savor the sweetness.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Best Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for any occasion. These irresistibly delicious cookies balance sweetness and softness for a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat with 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set, and centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a zesty twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
To ensure chewy cookies, avoid overbaking and cool as directed.
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
