Name: Soft And Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delightful soft and chewy sugar cookies that melt in your mouth.

Grandma’s secret recipe always brings smiles around the kitchen.

Each bite promises pure comfort and nostalgia wrapped in buttery goodness.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center that speaks of home-baked love.

Simple ingredients dance together to create magic on your plate.

Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, sugary hug.

You’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone who walks through your door.

Quickest Sweet Treat: Whip up these sugar cookies with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with their soft, chewy texture and classic sweet flavor that brings everyone together.
Versatile Baking Adventure: Customize these cookies with different extracts, sprinkle variations, or decorative touches to match any celebration or mood.
Beginner Baker's Dream: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for novice bakers, ensuring successful results every single time.

Everything Needed for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Base Ingredients:

Butter: The foundational fat that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy, golden-brown exterior.
Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and consistency.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

Baking Soda, Baking Powder: These chemical leavening agents help the cookies rise and create a light, airy texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm sweet flavor to the sugar cookies.
Almond Extract: Provides an optional subtle, nutty background note to complement the cookie's sweetness.
Additional Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creating a sparkling, sweet exterior with a slight crunch.

Step 1: Cream Butter And Sugar

Grab your mixing bowl and beat butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy, dreamy cloud.

Use medium speed and watch the mixture become light and airy.

This process takes about 2-3 minutes, so be patient and enjoy the magical transformation.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla and almond extract.

Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks smooth and silky.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed for perfect cookie texture.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make cookies tough.

Step 5: Shape And Chill Dough

Roll dough into small balls and roll each one in sugar.

Place these sugary spheres in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

Let it preheat completely before baking.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Space dough balls 2-3 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges look set and centers appear puffy with delightful cracks.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and get ready to taste pure cookie bliss!

Stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to keep cookies tender and soft.
Refrigerate dough balls for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development.
Use a cookie scoop or weigh dough balls to ensure consistent baking and uniform appearance.
Bring butter and egg to room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie structure.
Watch cookies closely during last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning and maintain chewy centers.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cookies maintain a soft texture by adding xanthan gum for binding.
Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use a flax egg or applesauce instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based vanilla extract.
Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, use a sugar alternative like erythritol, and reduce carbohydrate content for a low-carb treat.
Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before chilling, creating a rich and indulgent version of the classic sugar cookie.

Presenting Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies for Events

Tea Party Delight: Serve these sugar cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
Cookie Sundae Surprise: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert that'll wow guests.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies between parchment paper, tie with a rustic ribbon in a clear cellophane bag for a homemade, heartwarming gift.
Holiday Decorating Fun: Use royal icing and sprinkles to transform these cookies into festive seasonal designs for Christmas or birthday celebrations.

How to Store Chewy Sugar Cookies at Home

Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain softness and prevent staleness.
Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

What makes these sugar cookies soft and chewy?

The secret is chilling the dough before baking, which prevents spreading and helps maintain a thick, tender texture. The balance of butter, sugar, and careful mixing also contributes to their soft consistency.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt content precisely. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the butter solidify, prevents cookies from spreading too thin, and allows the flour to hydrate, resulting in a more flavorful and texturally perfect cookie.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Blissfully Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe