Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies

Introduction

Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of tender, buttery goodness with a slightly crisp edge and melt-in-your-mouth centers. Unlike the crunchy store-bought sugar cookies, these homemade ones deliver that bakery-style softness you can’t resist. Coated lightly in sugar before baking, they sparkle and taste every bit as sweet as they look.

They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, parties—or simply when you crave a nostalgic, comforting treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it creates cookies that are delightfully soft and chewy while keeping that classic sugar cookie flavor. They aren’t overly sweet but have just the right balance of buttery richness and sugar coating.

Another reason is their versatility—you can decorate them with colored sugar, sprinkles, or even frost them for special occasions. They’re quick, easy, and always a family favorite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Simple & Classic: Made with pantry staples.
• Perfect Texture: Soft centers with light crisp edges.
• Festive & Fun: Great for decorating or enjoying plain.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and cookies freeze beautifully.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional for thicker cookies): 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes (without chilling)

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: ~24 cookies
• Calories: ~170 calories per cookie (depending on size)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus ¼ cup for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add egg, milk, and vanilla.
3. Mix in dry ingredients.
4. Roll dough balls in sugar.
5. Bake until edges are lightly golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

• Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
• Roll each ball in the reserved sugar and place on baking sheets (about 2 inches apart).

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Decorate with icing or sprinkles for holidays.
• Stack them in jars for a sweet edible gift.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overbake—cookies continue to firm up after removal.
• For chewier cookies, chill the dough before baking.
• Roll in colored sugar for festive versions.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice twist.

Variations

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest.
• Almond Twist: Replace vanilla with almond extract.
• Frosted Sugar Cookies: Top with cream cheese frosting after cooling.
• Holiday Style: Decorate with royal icing or colored sprinkles.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing (Baked Cookies): Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Freezing (Dough): Freeze pre-rolled dough balls, then bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes bake time).

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional)
• Baking sheets with parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic—buttery, tender, and perfectly sweet. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and versatile enough for everyday snacking or festive occasions. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or rolled in colorful sugar, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to every bite.

Bake a batch of these cookies today—you’ll see why they’re a favorite in every household!