Description
This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor. These classic cookies are easy to make, featuring a delightful chewy texture and a slightly crisp edge, perfect for any occasion or simple treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Then, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Form Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar for extra sweetness and a slight crunch on the cookie surface.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute the egg yolk with an additional whole egg, but this may change the texture slightly.
- Do not overbake; cookies will remain soft and chewy if removed when the edges are set.
- Rolling dough balls in sugar is optional but adds a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a festive touch, you can add sprinkles before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
