Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a tender bite and a sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. With their simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you can whip them up for gatherings, celebrations, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of baking soda and baking powder creates a soft and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize with various extracts or toppings to suit your tastes and occasions.
• Ideal for Sharing: Bake a batch to gift friends or family, spreading joy with every cookie.
• Quick Bake Time: These cookies bake in just 11-12 minutes, making them a fast dessert option.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies, having the right tools is essential. They help streamline the process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in the perfect fluffy texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal and clean-up.
• Measuring cups: Precision in measurements is key for achieving the right dough consistency.

Ingredients

These classic soft and chewy sugar cookies are so easy and so delicious that they’re bound to be your new favorite cookie. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, they bake up perfectly every time.

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 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)

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Add Egg & Extracts

Add the egg to the mixture and mix until well combined. Then add the vanilla extract and optional almond extract, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed for about 20 to 30 seconds just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Shape Dough Balls

Scoop out portions of dough (about 2 ounces or 3 tablespoons each) using your hands to roll them into balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl filled with the remaining granulated sugar, coating all sides.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Once chilled, space the dough balls on another parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for approximately 11 to 12 minutes or until edges are set with a golden brown color. The tops should look puffy with cracks forming.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

Remove cookies from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack using a spatula. Enjoy your freshly baked Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft and chewy sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be served in various creative ways. You can enhance your cookie experience with different pairings that complement their sweetness.

With Milk

• Classic Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

With Ice Cream

• Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches, adding a scoop of your favorite flavor in between.

With Fruit

• Fresh Berries: Serve your cookies alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.

With Coffee or Tea

• Warm Beverages: Pair these cookies with coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a warm beverage.

As Dessert Toppings

• Crumbled Topping: Crumble the cookies over yogurt or ice cream for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Perfecting soft and chewy sugar cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps control spread, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Don’t Over Mix: Mix the dough just until combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements; too much flour can lead to dry cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft and chewy sugar cookies can be enjoyed even more when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some tasty options that complement their flavors well.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, then top with crumbled sugar cookies for extra crunch.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate offers a fun dipping option for your cookies, enhancing their indulgence.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can create their own sundaes using sugar cookie crumbles.
6. Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts adds a crunchy element that pairs nicely with the softness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking soft and chewy sugar cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This ensures you use the right amount for fluffy cookies.
• Baking on an ungreased sheet: If you don’t line your baking sheets with parchment paper, cookies may stick or bake unevenly. Use parchment for easy removal and even baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding soft and chewy sugar cookies that may help you:

How do I achieve soft and chewy sugar cookies?

To ensure your sugar cookies are soft and chewy, do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly undercooked.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or other binding agents.

What can I add to my soft and chewy sugar cookies?

Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

You can use brown sugar; it will give your cookies a deeper flavor and chewier texture, but adjust the ratio slightly as needed.

How long do these soft and chewy sugar cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy sugar cookies are truly irresistible! Their simple ingredients make them easy to whip up any time you’re craving something sweet. You can customize them with various mix-ins or frostings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!