Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Okay, these sugar cookies are so soft, they almost melt in your mouth. They’ve got that perfect chewy middle and lightly crisp edges. I made them once, and now they’re always in my cookie jar.
They’re buttery, sweet, and just the right kind of simple. No rolling, no fuss—just mix, scoop, and bake. And the best part? You can frost them or eat them as-is.
If you love classic cookies that are cozy and nostalgic, these are for you. Great for holidays, after-school snacks, or late-night cravings. I keep a stash in the freezer—just in case.
Let’s bake a batch together. These soft and chewy sugar cookies are calling your name.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic and Comforting: These cookies remind you of home. Just plain good — soft, chewy, warm.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Nothing fancy here — just butter, sugar, eggs, and flour doing their job.
- Great for Every Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or just a regular Tuesday, these cookies always fit.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings:
Makes about 24 cookies (perfect for sharing — or not).
Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners. Satisfying enough for pros.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Here’s everything you need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- All-purpose flour: The base. Be sure to spoon and level it so you don’t overpack.
- Baking soda & Baking powder: These help the cookies puff just enough.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp. It makes the cookies rich and chewy.
- Granulated sugar: For that signature sugar cookie sweetness.
- Large egg: Helps hold it all together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, familiar flavor.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a tiny splash gives it that “bakery” touch.
Variations for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Add Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking for a fun twist.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of zest for a citrusy note.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix cinnamon with sugar and roll the dough in it before baking for a snickerdoodle-like vibe.
- Buttercream Sandwiches: Make two cookies into a sandwich with vanilla or cream cheese frosting in the middle.
- Use Brown Sugar: Swap a few tablespoons of granulated sugar for light brown sugar for deeper flavor.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies – Step-by-Step
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Use a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add Egg and Flavorings
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix — stop when it’s fully blended.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so the cookies don’t spread too much.
6. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop and Roll
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll into smooth balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a crisp edge (optional).
8. Bake
Place dough balls on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just lightly golden. Centers will look soft.
9. Cool
Let cookies sit on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These cookies are cozy and classic on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- With Milk: The go-to combo. Dunk and enjoy.
- Cookie Platter: Add them to a holiday or party cookie tray with other favorites.
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies for a quick dessert.
- Frosted: Spread with simple buttercream and top with sprinkles for birthdays or holidays.
- Tea or Coffee: Great with a warm drink in the afternoon.
Storing Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh.
- Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer — just add a minute or two to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in layers between parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look soft in the center when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour makes cookies dry. Spoon and level, don’t pack.
- Use Room Temp Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and gives a better texture.
- Want Even Cookies? Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 cookie (based on 24 cookies) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate.
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Course: Cookie Recipes24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes140
kcal30
miniutesIngredients
2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar (plus more for rolling, optional)
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Directions
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Roll: Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. Roll in granulated sugar if desired.
- Bake: Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool: Let cookies rest for 5 minutes on the sheet, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: It’s not recommended. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and stay soft.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Scoop into balls and freeze. You can bake them straight from the freezer.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure to chill the dough and bake in batches.
Q: What if I don’t have almond extract?
A: You can skip it — the cookies will still taste great with just vanilla.
Q: How do I make them crispier?
A: Bake a little longer, closer to 12 minutes. But keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Conclusion
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll come back to over and over. They’re simple to make, full of comforting flavor, and perfect for sharing. Whether you dress them up or keep them plain, they always deliver that warm homemade feel.
