Indulge in the delightful sweetness of homemade Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. With their soft center, chewy texture, and a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re decorating them for a festive celebration or simply enjoying them plain, this easy-to-follow recipe will yield irresistibly delicious cookies every time.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, helping to create a tender texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients add flavor and help bind the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
Prepare Dough Balls: Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, then roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This step adds a lovely sugary coating that enhances the cookie’s texture and sweetness.
Shape and Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand to promote even baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain slightly underbaked to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Serving Tips:
Perfect Pairing: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or coffee. They’re also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Decoration: If you’re making these cookies for a special occasion, consider adding colorful sprinkles or icing. For a festive touch, you can decorate them with themed cookie cutters and royal icing.
Presentation: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation. They make a great addition to dessert trays for parties or gatherings.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to one week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Avoid Staleness: To keep cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, preventing them from becoming hard or stale.
Reheating: If the cookies lose their softness after storage, you can refresh them by microwaving them for a few seconds or placing them in a warm oven for a couple of minutes.
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FAQs:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in your cookies, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
How can I make my sugar cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your sugar cookies, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract. You can also mix in a handful of chocolate chips or sprinkle the cookies with a bit of coarse sea salt before baking for a touch of extra flavor.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and roll. If needed, you can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency.
Can I use this recipe to make cookie bars instead of individual cookies?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make cookie bars. Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Conclusion:
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves classic, delicious treats. With their perfect balance of softness and sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this easy recipe delivers every time.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the ultimate treat with these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. Perfectly sweet with a tender center and slightly crisp edges, these classic cookies are easy to make and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a delicious homemade cookie, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, then roll each ball in 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Shape and Bake: Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly underbaked.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Butter: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to three months.
Dough: If dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 160 kcal per cookie
