Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Baking can be a wonderful way to bring joy into your home. One of the best treats to make is classic soft and chewy sugar cookies. These cookies have a sweet flavor, a soft center, and a slightly crispy edge. They are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying yourself with a glass of milk. This recipe is easy to follow, and the outcome will impress everyone who tries them.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make classic soft and chewy sugar cookies. First, they are easy to prepare. You do not need advanced skills to create something delicious. This recipe has simple steps, making it perfect for beginners.
Additionally, sugar cookies are versatile. You can enjoy them plain, or you can decorate them for special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a rainy day at home, these cookies will brighten your mood.
Also, the aroma of freshly baked cookies can make your whole house feel warm and inviting. Baking together can become a fun activity with family or friends. It is an excellent way to create lasting memories while making delightful treats.
Finally, soft and chewy sugar cookies are a hit with people of all ages. Kids love their sweet taste, and adults appreciate their nostalgia. By making this recipe, you can create a treat that brings everyone together for a moment of joy.
How to Make Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Making classic soft and chewy sugar cookies is straightforward. You will need to gather your ingredients and follow the step-by-step directions to achieve delightful results.
Ingredients:
To make these scrumptious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
These ingredients combine perfectly to create a delicious cookie that is sure to please.
Directions:
Let’s get started with the directions. Follow these steps to make your cookies successfully:
Preheat Your Oven: First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing these ingredients helps to aerate the flour and ensures that your cookies will rise properly.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and sugar until the mixture is smooth. This process takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Be sure to mix well. This will add wonderful flavor to your cookies.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this could make your cookies tough.
Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, roll rounded portions of the dough into balls. Then roll each ball in the granulated sugar. This step gives the cookies a nice sweetness and a lovely sparkle.
Arrange on Pan: Place the cookie balls on an ungreased baking pan. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass. This technique helps create an even shape and texture.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. You want them to be lightly golden but still soft when you take them out.
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This makes them easier to handle and keeps them soft.
How to Serve Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These cookies are perfect for many occasions. You can serve them warm right out of the oven for a gooey treat. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage for an extra special touch.
For gatherings or parties, you can arrange them on a decorative plate. Add some festive touches like sprinkles or colored icing if you want to dress them up for a special occasion.
If you prefer, you can also pack them in a cute box or bag to give as gifts to friends or family. Everyone loves homemade treats!
How to Store Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, it is important to store them correctly. Let the cookies cool completely before storing them to avoid moisture buildup.
At Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for about a week.
In the Refrigerator: You can also keep them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
For Long-Term Storage: If you want to save some cookies for later, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for about three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious:
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps create a light and fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step can help improve the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Watch the Oven: Every oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or two before the bake time is up to avoid over-baking them.
Experiment: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to this basic recipe for added flavor and texture!
Variation
If you’d like to try something different, you can make lemon sugar cookies. Simply replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract and add the zest of one lemon to the dough. This adds a delightful citrus twist to your cookies.
Another fun variation is to use different kinds of extracts. You could try coconut, peppermint, or even coffee extract. Each will give your cookies a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Brown sugar will make the cookies chewier and add a richer taste.
2. How can I make my cookies thicker?
To make thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for a while before baking. This will help them keep their shape in the oven.
3. What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than you like, try chilling the dough before baking or adding a bit more flour to the recipe. This will help them hold their shape.
Baking classic soft and chewy sugar cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create delicious treats that everyone will enjoy!
Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and sugar until smooth (about 2 to 3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a tablespoon, roll rounded portions of the dough into balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on an ungreased baking pan, leaving space between each cookie, and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden but still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.