Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

The Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love! Their buttery, sugary flavor and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night at home. With less than 10 ingredients, this recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or store them for later indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich taste that will have you reaching for more.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any event or as an everyday snack; you can also customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Ideal Texture: These cookies achieve that perfect balance of soft and chewy, making every bite a delight.
• Great for Sharing: With 22 servings, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to easily separate wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheets: Good quality sheets ensure even baking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. whole milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• Granulated sugar, for rolling and garnishing

How to Make Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides again if necessary.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture at a slow speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you prefer. If you find that your cookie dough seems too dry after chilling, refer to recipe notes below.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake your cookies, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Prepare Cookie Dough

Remove the chilled cookie dough from the fridge. If it’s very cold, let it sit on the counter for around 10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop.

Step 8: Roll in Sugar

Pour about ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a bowl for rolling. Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie ball.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 8-10 minutes but be careful not to overbake!

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top while they’re still warm.

Enjoy these Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container on your counter for up to 3-4 days! You can also freeze them for up to three months—if they last that long!

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft & chewy sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a little creativity can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make these cookies even more enjoyable.

With Milk

• Classic Pairing: Serve your cookies with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat that everyone loves.

With Ice Cream

• Cookie Sundae: Top warm cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delicious sundae. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

With Fresh Berries

• Fruity Twist: Pair these cookies with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a refreshing element and balance the sweetness.

With Whipped Cream

• Creamy Delight: Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the cookie or serve it on the side for dipping.

With Coffee or Tea

• Warm Beverage Choice: Enjoy your cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and richness of the drink complement the buttery flavor of the cookies beautifully.

How to Perfect Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Making soft & chewy sugar cookies is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough is essential for achieving that soft, chewy texture. It helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should be just set at the edges and slightly underbaked in the center for that signature chewiness.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother dough.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture variations in your sugar cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft & chewy sugar cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with sweet treats, creating an interesting flavor combination.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip chunks of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries; enjoy alongside your cookies for a balanced snack.
5. Nut Butter Spread: Serve almond or peanut butter as a spread for those who enjoy nutty flavors with their sweets.
6. Granola Bars: For a crunchy texture contrast, homemade granola bars offer both sweetness and nutrition alongside your soft sugar cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many bakers encounter challenges when making Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect butter temperature – Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for optimal results.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can dry out the cookies. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Overbaking – Baking too long results in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.

Freezing Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; watch out not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2 minutes to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve soft & chewy sugar cookies?

For soft & chewy sugar cookies, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough also helps maintain softness.

Can I substitute ingredients in this soft & chewy sugar cookie recipe?

Yes! You can replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk if needed.

How long do soft & chewy sugar cookies last?

Soft & chewy sugar cookies can last up to 3-4 days stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

What makes these sugar cookies chewy?

The combination of both whole eggs and egg yolks, along with the creaming method, contributes to their signature chewiness.

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even colorful sprinkles. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy warm, buttery goodness anytime!