If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate nostalgic treat, look no further than Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender centers and delightfully crisp edges, making each bite a pure joy. They’re buttery, sweet, and impossible to resist, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a cozy pick-me-up. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll have a go-to favorite for any cookie craving!

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s incredible how a handful of kitchen staples come together to create Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies with such irresistible flavor and texture. Each ingredient pulls its weight, so let’s take a moment to appreciate what goes into making these cookies shine.

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cookie, providing just enough structure without making them dense.
Baking soda: Gives the cookies their signature lift and ensures a soft bite.
Baking powder: Adds another layer of leavening for perfect puffiness.
Salt: Accentuates all the sweet flavors and deepens the overall taste.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings the rich, creamy foundation that gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated sugar: The classic sweetener for both the dough and rolling, creating those crackled tops and chewy middles.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds moisture for a plush texture.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, making the aroma irresistible.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient for unbelievably soft and chewy sugar cookies that stay fresh for days.
Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Gives each cookie a sparkly, crisp edge for that traditional finish.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple step not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a little thing that sets you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies rise and bake consistently.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Proper creaming traps air, setting the stage for that dreamy, chewy texture you’re after. You’ll start to see the mixture pale and increase in volume when it’s ready.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until your batter is smooth and creamy. That little bit of sour cream is the magic that keeps the cookies soft; don’t skip it! This is also where you could sneak in a splash of almond extract for a fun twist if you like.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix—stop as soon as the dough comes together. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, and no one wants that!

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently between your hands to form balls. Next, roll each ball in granulated sugar for those classic sparkly exteriors. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, and slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the edges are barely beginning to turn golden. Resist the urge to overbake; the centers should still look a touch soft when you pull them out! They’ll finish setting as they cool, ensuring that unbeatable Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies bite.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step guarantees a chewy center and delicately crisp edge every time.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Bring a special touch to your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies by sprinkling a little colored sanding sugar before baking, adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate after cooling, or even a pinch of citrus zest for brightness. A dusting of powdered sugar never fails to add elegance, either.

Side Dishes

For a dreamy dessert spread, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of rich hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries, a cold glass of milk, or a pot of your favorite tea for a truly comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies and tie them up with a ribbon as a sweet homemade gift, or set them out on a platter with fruit and cheese for a delightful cookie board. You can even use them as edible toppers for ice cream sundaes—kids and adults alike will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies stay fresh and moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking, and keep the container out of direct sunlight for best results.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a big batch ahead of time, you’re in luck—these cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls, ready to bake off whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked feel, briefly warm cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll soften right up and the aromas will fill the room as if you just pulled them from the oven. For frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch! Just omit the added salt from the recipe to keep the flavors in balance.

How do I make my Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies even softer?

Be careful not to overbake them and don’t skip the sour cream, which adds moistness. Pull them out of the oven when the centers are still slightly underdone—they’ll finish cooking as they cool for an extra-soft result.

Can I add sprinkles to the dough?

Absolutely! Gently fold rainbow or holiday sprinkles into the dough for a festive touch. This makes Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies especially fun for celebrations and kids’ parties.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies should still come out wonderfully soft and chewy, though texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly. This simple technique prevents accidentally adding too much flour, ensuring your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies stay tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or about to discover your new favorite treat, baking a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is always a good idea. They’re just the thing for any occasion and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around the table. Give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved classic in your own kitchen!