Perfect Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

chewy sugar cookies are one of those timeless treats that never lose their charm. Pulling a tray of golden cookies from the oven fills the kitchen with a sweet, buttery aroma that feels like a warm hug, bringing back memories of sneaking bits of dough when no one was looking. I still remember baking my very first batch at home I was nervous I’d ruin them, but they turned out soft, golden, and absolutely perfect.

This recipe has quickly become my go-to whenever I need a touch of comfort. It’s simple and fuss-free, yet delivers pure joy in every bite. The texture is dreamy tender and soft with just the right sweetness. Try it once, and I’m certain it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

What I love most about these sugar cookies is how they bring people together. Whether it’s a school bake sale, a cozy night in, or just because the week calls for something sweet, this recipe never disappoints. Let’s dive into this classic together.

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookies Recipe

These chewy sugar cookies have stolen my heart for so many reasons, and I know they’ll win yours too. First, they’re incredibly forgiving perfect for both nervous beginners and confident bakers who want reliable results every time.

The texture is absolutely divine. We’re talking about cookies that are soft and tender on the inside with just a hint of crispness around the edges. They’re not too sweet, which means you can easily eat three (or five) without feeling overwhelmed.

Most importantly, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can dress these cookies up for special occasions or keep them simple for everyday enjoyment. They’re also fantastic for decorating if you’re feeling creative, or perfect just as they are with a glass of cold milk.

And here’s the best part – they come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No special trips to the store required!

What You’ll Need To Make Chewy Sugar Cookies

Let me walk you through each ingredient and why it’s essential for creating these perfect homemade cookies:

• All-purpose flour – This is our foundation. I always measure by weight when possible for the most consistent results, but cups work perfectly fine too.
• Baking powder – This gives our cookies that lovely tender lift. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results.
• Fine sea salt – Don’t skip this! It enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter – The star of the show. I like to use it at cool room temperature, which means it gives slightly when pressed but isn’t completely soft.
• Granulated sugar – We use this both in the dough and for rolling. It creates that perfect sweet coating and helps with texture.
• Eggs – One whole egg plus an extra yolk adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference. It’s worth investing in the good stuff.

Let’s Bake It Together

Ready to create some magic? Here’s how we’ll make these easy chewy sugar cookies step by step:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. Beat the butter and 1¼ cups sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming creates the perfect texture. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, beating until combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture.
4. Shape the dough using a large scoop, then roll each ball in the remaining sugar. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently flatten with the bottom of a measuring cup.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and just beginning to brown. They’ll look slightly underdone – that’s perfect! Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Make It Your Own

One of the beautiful things about this classic chewy sugar cookies recipe is how easily you can customize it:

• Flavor variations – Try adding almond extract instead of vanilla, or mix in some lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Spice it up – A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough creates warm, cozy flavors perfect for fall.
• Gluten-free option – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Add-ins – Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Let me share some wisdom I’ve gathered from years of cookie baking:

Don’t overbake these chewy sugar cookies! They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan and finish perfectly.

Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture. If you forgot to take your butter out early, cut it into small pieces to help it soften faster.

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is particularly warm. I learned this the hard way during a summer baking session!

Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. This ensures even baking and professional-looking results every time.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These homemade chewy sugar cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

You can also freeze the shaped dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half the dough. Future you will thank you when cookie cravings strike!

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin No Bake Cookies
• Colorful Monster Cookies
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Chewy Sugar Cookies they’re simple yet satisfying, classic yet versatile. Every time I make them, I’m reminded why some recipes become timeless favorites. They taste like pure joy and comfort rolled into one perfect bite.

I encourage you to make this chewy sugar cookies your own. Add your favorite flavors, share them with people you love, and create your own sweet memories. That’s what baking is all about – spreading joy one cookie at a time.

Thanks for baking with me today! I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out, so don’t forget to share your results. Happy baking!

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