Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
When it comes to comforting desserts, soft and chewy sugar cookies are a beloved favorite. These delicious cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. You may have enjoyed them during holidays, family gatherings, or perhaps at a school bake sale. They are great for any occasion and can be easily dressed up or left simple. The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake adds to the charm of these classic treats. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this sugar cookie recipe is accessible and rewarding.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make soft and chewy sugar cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple and usually already in your kitchen. You don’t need a lot of equipment; just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and some measuring cups will do.
These cookies are also versatile. You can enjoy them plain, or you can add ingredients like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts if you want to mix things up. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying yourself with a cup of tea or coffee.
Another great reason to make this recipe is that freshly baked cookies warm from the oven are hard to resist. These cookies will fill your home with a delightful scent that brings everyone to the kitchen. When you share them, you will see smiles all around, making the baking process worth every moment.
Lastly, baking these cookies can be a fun activity to do with children or friends. You can roll the dough into balls together, coat them in sugar, and flatten them. It is a great way to bond and create happy memories in the kitchen.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
To make soft and chewy sugar cookies, you need a few simple ingredients and some easy steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create these delightful treats.
Ingredients
To make soft and chewy sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that contributes to the texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: This gives sweetness and helps with the chewy texture.
- 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup sugar for rolling: This gives the cookies a lovely sugary coat.
Directions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make soft and chewy sugar cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): This is the perfect temperature for baking these cookies, making them soft and lightly golden.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir well and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, take 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until everything is well combined.
Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Mix well until all the flour is incorporated and a dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls. Once shaped, coat each dough ball in the 3/4 cup of sugar. This gives them a sweet crust.
Prepare for baking: Place the dough balls onto ungreased cookie sheets, making sure to leave some space between each one. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass.
Bake the cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. This allows them to firm up a bit while still keeping that lovely chewy texture.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Serving soft and chewy sugar cookies is a treat in itself. You can present them warm right from the oven or allow them to cool completely before arranging them on a platter. They make a wonderful dessert on their own or can be paired with milk, coffee, or tea.
If you want to dress them up, consider adding some colorful sprinkles or icing on top. You can also stack them in a jar or box and give them as gifts for special occasions. They are perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or just as a random treat for friends and family.
How to Store Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
To keep your soft and chewy sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week this way. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze the cookies. To do this, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and allow them to come to room temperature. You can also heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
Tips to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Measure your flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best mixing. Cold butter does not cream well, which can affect the texture.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies may appear slightly undercooked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool, which helps keep them soft.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract for a different twist.
Variations
These soft and chewy sugar cookies can be easily modified. Some variations include:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Mix in 1 to 2 cups of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: After baking, allow the cookies to cool and add a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Before baking, roll the dough balls in colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a different flavor. The cookies will be chewier and have a slight caramel taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional. Some bakers prefer to chill it for about 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape better. However, if you are short on time, you can bake them right away.
Baking soft and chewy sugar cookies is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat. With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can create these delicious cookies. Enjoy baking and sharing with loved ones!
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the dry flour mixture until a dough forms.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls and coat each ball in sugar.
- Place the dough balls onto ungreased cookie sheets, flattening them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.