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Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 large cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies offer a perfect balance of tender texture and sweet flavor. Made with simple pantry staples, including all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are easy to prepare and deliver delightful results every time. Rolled in sugar before baking, they develop a subtly crunchy exterior while remaining soft inside, making them a timeless favorite for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup (50 grams) for rolling
  • 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This step ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed, beat the unsalted butter and 1¼ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping the bowl down as needed to maintain an even mixture.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while beating, ensuring the dough forms evenly without overmixing.
  6. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Place the remaining ¼ cup sugar in a shallow dish. Use a large (3-tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop to divide the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the sugar coating evenly for a slightly crispy exterior.
  7. Arrange for Baking: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each gently with the bottom of a measuring cup to promote even baking.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and edges start to brown lightly.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they finish setting without breaking.
  10. Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
  • Do not overbake; removing the cookies while slightly soft ensures a chewy texture.
  • Rolling the dough balls in sugar creates a pleasant crunch and an attractive appearance.
  • Cookies can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg