Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These soft and chewy sugar cookies melt in your mouth with every bite! Their delicate sweetness, enhanced by a hint of vanilla and almond extract, creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy golden edges and soft centers in every delightful cookie.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, continuing to beat until smooth.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
7. Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands.
8. Step 8: Roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until evenly coated.
9. Step 9: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
10. Step 10: Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
11. Step 11: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
12. Step 12: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them to keep a soft center.
• Almond extract can be omitted or swapped with another flavor extract like lemon or peppermint.
• For a more uniform texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
• Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top right after baking for added sweetness and sparkle.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh before serving, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How can I make these cookies more decorative?

Try rolling the dough in colored sugar or adding sprinkles before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a festive touch.

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

These soft and chewy sugar cookies offer a perfect balance of delicate sweetness and a hint of vanilla, creating a cozy and comforting treat. With perfectly golden edges and soft centers, these cookies melt in your mouth for a delightful dessert experience that’s easy to prepare, making them ideal for beginner bakers.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined to prepare the dry base of the cookie dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to create the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Add Egg: Incorporate the egg into the butter-sugar mixture and beat thoroughly until fully combined for moisture and structure.
5. Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined without overmixing, as this will maintain a tender cookie texture.
7. Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands for uniform cookie sizes.
8. Coat with Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar until evenly coated to add sweetness and a slight crunch on the outside.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
10. Flatten Dough Balls: Gently press each dough ball down slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to achieve a flat cookie shape that bakes evenly.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown, signaling the perfect doneness for chewy soft centers.
12. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
• If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them for a softer center.
• Almond extract can be omitted or replaced with another flavor extract if desired.
• For a more uniform texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
• For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little extra sugar on the cookies immediately after baking.

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