If you have a soft spot for cookies that melt in your mouth while still satisfying that sweet tooth, you’re in for an absolute treat with this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of tender, buttery softness and just enough chewiness to keep you coming back for more. Imagine biting into a cookie with a subtle vanilla scent, lightly crisp edges, and a soft center that practically dances on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a true classic that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most extraordinary cookies, and this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect texture to enhancing the flavor and giving the cookies their beautiful golden color.

All-purpose flour (2 ⅛ cups or 300g): The foundation that gives these cookies their structure and slight chewiness.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them tender without puffing up too much.
Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup or 2 sticks/227g): Adds richness and moisture, key to that soft texture.
Granulated sugar (⅔ cup plus ¼ cup for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a delicate crunchy coating when rolled in.
Powdered sugar (¾ cup or 85g): Contributes to the tender crumb and soft mouthfeel.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds a touch of moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple preparation step is essential to getting that perfect golden edge on your cookies without burning.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt in a medium bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, creating a balanced dough that will rise gently and taste just right. Set it aside for the magic to begin.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. This step takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and the goal is to get a light, fluffy mixture—this airiness is what leads to those soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully blended. The egg enriches the dough while vanilla adds that unmistakable warm flavor that turns ordinary sugar cookies into a memorable treat.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything comes together. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, and we definitely want to avoid that here!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar so the cookies get a delightful sparkle and slight crunch on the outside. This little trick transforms the texture beautifully.

Step 7: Arrange and Flatten

Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets with about two inches between them to allow room to spread. Press each ball down gently with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to slightly flatten—this helps them bake evenly and get that classic sugar cookie shape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You want to see the edges just start to set and turn a faint golden color, but the centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked to ensure that chewiness.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes so they firm up enough to move without breaking. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing their flavors and textures to develop fully.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of colored sugar or edible glitter on your cookie dough balls before baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a lovely snowy look and a hint of sweetness that complements the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or even rich hot chocolate. The creamy beverages highlight the cookie’s buttery softness while balancing their sweetness, making every bite a comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soft and chewy sugar cookies stacked on a pretty plate wrapped with a ribbon for a gift. Or create a cookie platter mixing these with other treats like mini brownies and festive spritz cookies to impress at parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously soft for up to a week, as long as you keep them sealed away from air and moisture.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can also freeze baked cookies wrapped tightly to preserve their softness, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their charm after storage, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to refresh their softness and aroma. A quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds also works if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level, salted butter can work if you reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Just be cautious, as it could make your cookies slightly saltier than intended.

Why do these cookies stay soft instead of crispy?

The combination of powdered sugar and creamed butter creates a tender crumb, and the slightly underbaked centers keep the cookies soft and chewy rather than crunchy.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles to customize this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe to your liking.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough slightly before shaping if needed. Also, spacing the dough balls evenly and not flattening them too much can help keep the shape.

How do I keep my cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, like the recipe suggests, ensures your cookies come off easily and bake evenly without sticking or burning.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a homemade cookie that is soft, chewy, and full of that nostalgic sweetness. This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers on all those cravings and is simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the pure joy that comes from biting into a perfect sugar cookie made with love.