Why Make This Recipe
Soft and chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon snacks. Their delightful sweetness and chewy texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make and require simple ingredients.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
- 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup (50 grams) for rolling
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed to beat the butter and 1¼ cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, then beat until combined. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
- Put the remaining ¼ cup sugar in a shallow dish. Use a large (3-tablespoon) spring-loaded scoop to divide the dough into balls and roll them in sugar to coat evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies set and start to brown. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Soft and chewy sugar cookies are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. For a fun twist, try adding some colorful sprinkles on top before baking. They’re also excellent as a dessert at parties, or you can pack them as a sweet snack for lunchboxes.
How to Store Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-friendly bag or container, and they can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Ensure your butter is at cool room temperature for easy mixing but not melted.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. This helps keep the cookies soft.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Variation
You can easily make variations of these cookies. Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a different taste. If you’d like, you can also frost the cooled cookies with a simple buttercream frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture.
2. How can I make my cookies fluffier?
Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
3. Can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
Yes, refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld and can prevent spreading while baking.
Enjoy making your soft and chewy sugar cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.
