Name: Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-492069H5M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup (50 g) for rolling; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 49 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly balances tender softness with just the right amount of chew, then this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies come out beautifully golden with a delicate crack on top and a richness that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe delivers that comforting sugar cookie flavor with an unbeatable texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Many small round dough balls covered with white sugar are scattered on a white marbled surface. There is a white scalloped bowl on the lower right corner filled with white sugar, with one dough ball resting on top of the sugar inside the bowl. The dough balls have a light yellow color and a fine texture with sugar crystals on their surface, making them look soft and powdery. The arrangement is casual and gives a sense of fresh homemade treats photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays an essential role—from the creamy butter that adds richness and moisture, to the baking powder and soda that help create that perfect chewiness and lift. You’ll see how a touch of almond extract elevates the flavor, turning a classic cookie into something truly special.

All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups / 218 g): Provides structure and tenderness when properly measured and leveled.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a delicate texture.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside soda for the perfect soft crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and creates a delightful sugary crust when rolled.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (1/2 cup / 113 g): Adds richness and moisture, crucial for softness.
Egg, room temperature (1 large): Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): The classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and aroma.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that takes these cookies to the next level.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This step is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookies light and fluffy. About 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed will do the trick, and don’t forget to scrape down the bowl to combine everything evenly.

Step 2: Add the Egg

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in the egg and mix it until just combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, helping the dough come together with a tender texture.

Step 3: Mix in Extracts

Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix gently on low speed. These extracts give the cookies their signature flavor—vanilla for warmth, and almond for an unexpected but delightful twist. Make sure to scrape the bowl sides again so the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Adding the dry ingredients slowly, mix on low speed just until the dough begins forming. Over-mixing here can make your cookies tough, so keep it brief and gentle to maintain that soft and chewy texture.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Scoop out cookie dough using a 2-ounce (3 tablespoons) measuring portion. Roll each ball between your palms until smooth and then coat each generously in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This sugar coating creates the signature sparkle and crunchy shell on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Step 6: Chill the Dough and Prepare to Bake

Place the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets and chill them for 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the butter and prevents spreading, so your cookies stay thick and soft. Preheat your oven to 350°F while the dough rests. When chilled, transfer the sugar-coated dough balls to a separate parchment-lined sheet, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart for even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 11 to 12 minutes until their edges are just set and starting to turn golden, with puffed and cracked tops. It’s crucial not to overbake, as removing them while slightly soft will give you that signature chewy interior. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Several round, light golden cookies with a slightly cracked, sugar-coated surface are spread out on a white marbled background. The cookies have a soft texture with fine sugar crystals that add a gentle sparkle. One cookie near the center has a small bite taken out, showing its soft inside. The arrangement is casual with the cookies overlapping lightly, showcasing their uniform size and shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but adding a sprinkle of colored sanding sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can transform them into a festive treat. For a fun variation, try sandwiching them with your favorite jam or a smear of buttercream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee to balance their sweetness. A bowl of fresh berries alongside can also brighten the plate, making a simple but satisfying snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe into charming gifts by stacking them in a decorative tin or wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Adding a handwritten note with the recipe is a sweet personal touch that your loved ones will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying a batch throughout the week without losing that soft and chewy magic.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough balls and the baked cookies. For dough, shape and sugar-coat as instructed, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, freeze in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Both freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring some warmth back to your cookies, heat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and brings that freshly baked aroma straight to your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use melted butter instead of room temperature butter?

It’s best to use room temperature butter for this recipe because creaming it with sugar introduces air into the dough, making the cookies light and fluffy. Melted butter will result in flatter, denser cookies.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Almond extract is optional, so feel free to skip it if you don’t have any on hand. Your sugar cookies will still turn out wonderful with just the vanilla extract.

How can I make these cookies more decorative?

For a decorative touch, roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar or add sprinkles before baking. You can also drizzle with icing or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate once cooled.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out hard?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Keep a close eye during baking, and remove the cookies when edges are set but centers still look soft. Proper measuring of flour is also important to avoid dry, hard cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary. Look for blends with xanthan gum included to mimic the texture of wheat flour closely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking a batch of Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe and sharing them with friends and family. This recipe is a keeper, simple yet so satisfying, capturing everything you love about classic sugar cookies with a soft, tender bite every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!