There’s nothing quite like a classic sugar cookie simple, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. These cookies have a buttery, rich flavor with hints of vanilla, creating the perfect balance of soft and chewy texture with slightly crisp edges. Rolling them in sugar before baking gives them that extra sparkle and delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies come together quickly with no dough chilling required just mix, roll, and bake! Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these sugar cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (+ ¼ cup for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 87 kcal per cookie | Servings: 40 cookies
What Makes These Sugar Cookies So Special?
Many sugar cookie recipes require chilling the dough for hours before baking, making the process feel long and tedious. However, this recipe eliminates that step, allowing you to go from mixing to baking in a matter of minutes.
Here’s what makes these sugar cookies stand out:
- Soft & Chewy Texture: The combination of butter, sugar, and just the right amount of egg yolk ensures a tender, chewy bite that stays moist for days.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor: By using high-quality unsalted butter, these cookies have a deep, rich taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet vanilla notes.
- Perfect Balance of Ingredients: The right ratio of flour to fat keeps the cookies soft while preventing them from spreading too much.
- No Dough Chilling Needed: Unlike many cookie recipes, this dough can be rolled and baked immediately, making it quick and convenient.
- A Sugar-Coated Finish: Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delicate crunch to the outside while keeping the inside irresistibly soft.
The Science Behind a Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie
Baking is both an art and a science, and understanding the role of each ingredient can help you master the perfect sugar cookie. Here’s a look at how each key component contributes to the texture and flavor of these cookies:
- Butter: The fat content in butter helps create a rich, tender cookie. It also provides moisture, which is essential for a chewy texture. Softened butter allows the dough to mix smoothly without being too runny.
- Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also affects the cookie’s texture. In this recipe, the high sugar-to-flour ratio helps achieve a soft, chewy interior while giving the exterior a light crunch.
- Egg Yolk: Using one whole egg plus an extra egg yolk makes these cookies extra rich and soft. The additional yolk adds fat and moisture, preventing the cookies from drying out.
- Flour: The right amount of flour ensures that the cookies hold their shape while remaining tender. Too much flour will result in dense, dry cookies, while too little can make them overly thin and crispy.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise just enough, giving them a slightly puffy, soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: This ingredient enhances the overall flavor, providing that classic sugar cookie aroma that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Sugar Cookies
Baking the perfect soft and chewy sugar cookies is easy if you follow these expert tips:
1. Use High-Quality Butter
Since butter is a key ingredient in sugar cookies, always use real, unsalted butter for the best flavor. Margarine or shortening won’t give the same rich taste or texture.
2. Measure Your Flour Correctly
Using too much flour can lead to dry, dense cookies. To measure flour correctly, use the spoon and level method:
- Fluff the flour in its container.
- Spoon it into your measuring cup.
- Level it off with a knife.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined. This ensures your cookies stay light and soft.
4. Roll the Dough in Sugar for Extra Crunch
Coating the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking enhances the flavor and texture, giving the cookies a slightly crisp, golden exterior.
5. Avoid Overbaking
One of the most common mistakes in cookie baking is overbaking. These cookies should be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool.
6. Let the Cookies Cool Properly
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to finish baking internally while maintaining their soft, chewy texture.
Customization Ideas for Sugar Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize your sugar cookies:
1. Add a Funfetti Twist
Mix in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles for a colorful, funfetti version of these cookies.
2. Infuse with Citrus Zest
For a refreshing citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
3. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
For a snickerdoodle-inspired variation, roll the dough balls in a mix of sugar and cinnamon before baking.
4. Add a Chocolate Drizzle
Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the baked cookies for an elegant touch.
5. Use Colored Sugar for Festive Cookies
Swap out the plain granulated sugar for colored sanding sugar to create holiday-themed cookies.
Conclusion:
Soft and chewy sugar cookies are a staple in every baker’s recipe collection. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, pack them for a sweet treat, or gift them during the holidays, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
By following the expert tips and customization ideas shared in this guide, you can perfect the art of sugar cookie baking. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and bake up a batch of buttery, soft, and chewy sugar cookies that will leave everyone asking for more!
