Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the quintessential dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their delicate texture and delightful sweetness, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a comforting treat at home. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of buttery goodness and a hint of vanilla, making them irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies stands out for its simplicity and the delightful results it produces. The cookies are not only easy to make but also require basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The secret to their soft and chewy texture lies in the careful mixing and chilling of the dough, ensuring that each cookie bakes to perfection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Plus, they make a fantastic base for customization—add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to make them your own!

Introduction

Sugar cookies have long been a favorite among cookie lovers, and for good reason! They are versatile, easy to decorate, and perfect for any season. This particular recipe yields soft and chewy cookies that are slightly crisp on the edges and wonderfully tender in the center. The addition of almond extract is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that elevates these cookies to new heights. Ideal for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet snack, these Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup (50 g) for rolling
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, helping to create a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add the large egg to the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Using your hands, roll the dough into 2-ounce balls. Once rolled, coat each ball in the remaining granulated sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also creates a lovely texture on the cookie’s surface. After rolling, place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each ball to allow for spreading.

Next, chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the perfect chewy texture, as it helps to firm up the dough and reduces spreading during baking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.

Once chilled, arrange the dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear puffy and slightly cracked.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up while still retaining their soft center.

COOKING Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – This recipe is straightforward and yields perfect results every time!

Serving Suggestions:

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be enhanced by serving them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For special occasions, consider decorating them with royal icing or sprinkles to match your theme. They also make a lovely addition to cookie platters during the holidays or any festive gathering.

Tips:

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
• For a fun twist, add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts to the dough before baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness.
• If you prefer a more pronounced vanilla flavor, consider increasing the vanilla extract to 2 tablespoons.
• For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar for holidays.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

12 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 80 mg

Conclusion

In conclusion, Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten your day or make any occasion special. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for personalization, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating these delicious cookies. Happy baking!

Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A1: Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. This will give your cookies a slightly different flavor and a chewier texture due to the moisture content in brown sugar.

Q2: How do I store leftover cookies?
A2: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q4: What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
A4: You can add various flavorings such as lemon zest, orange zest, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Chocolate chips and nuts also make great additions!

Q5: Why is chilling the dough important?
A5: Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps to firm up the butter, reducing spreading during baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with a perfect texture.