Description
Learn to make soft and chewy sugar cookies with easy steps, baking tips, and delicious flavor variations. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Ingredients List with Measurements
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 3/4 cups
Provides the structure of the cookie, giving it shape and substance. - Baking Soda – 1/2 teaspoon
Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a tender texture. - Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
Adds to the lift and lightness, ensuring the cookies don’t turn out dense. - Butter – 1 cup, softened
Adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in soft, flavorful cookies. - Granulated Sugar – 1 1/2 cups
Sweetens the cookies and contributes to the chewy texture. - Egg – 1 large
Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture, contributing to the soft texture. - Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness. - Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. - Optional Toppings
Colored sugar, sprinkles, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch to the cookies.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, helping the cookies bake consistently.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process creates tiny air pockets in the dough, giving the cookies a tender, soft texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies.
Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cookie. Stop mixing once you no longer see streaks of flour in the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out balls of dough, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll the dough gently between your hands to shape each scoop into a smooth ball.
Step 8: Arrange and Flatten the Dough on Baking Sheets
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers to encourage even baking.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underdone; they will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet once removed from the oven, which helps keep them soft and chewy.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to maintaining their soft, chewy centers while the edges stay perfectly crisp.
Notes
Tips for Storing and Keeping Cookies Fresh
1. Storing at Room Temperature
To keep your sugar cookies soft and fresh for several days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies can help prevent them from sticking together, especially if they have a glaze or frosting. They should remain soft for up to a week this way.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies
Sugar cookies freeze well and can be enjoyed at a later time with minimal impact on flavor or texture. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, layering them with parchment paper between each layer. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, simply let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Freezing Cookie Dough
Freezing the dough can be a great time-saver, especially if you want fresh-baked cookies on demand. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When baking from frozen, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
4. Maintaining Softness Over Time
If you want to maintain the cookies’ softness for an extended period, consider adding a slice of bread to the container. The bread releases a small amount of moisture, which helps keep the cookies soft. Replace the bread slice every few days to keep them fresh.