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Best-Ever Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe – Easy Homemade
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are simple to make, wonderfully buttery, and full of rich brown sugar flavor. With lightly golden edges and a tender center, they make a comforting everyday treat for cookie plates, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings.
Quick Overview
- Prep time: Not provided
- Cook time: Not provided
- Total time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture: Brown sugar helps create a tender, moist center with pleasantly chewy edges.
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses familiar pantry staples and straightforward preparation.
- Rich buttery flavor: Butter, vanilla, and brown sugar give these cookies a warm, blondie-like taste.
- Easy to share: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet for a batch of cookies everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking area so the oven is ready when the dough is portioned.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This helps blend the sugars evenly into the butter and creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking distributes the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the flour disappears to help keep the cookies soft.
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between the portions so the cookies can spread as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Watch the cookies closely near the end of baking so they remain soft and chewy.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The short cooling period helps the cookies set before they are moved.
How to Serve It
- Serve the cookies with cold milk, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Add them to a dessert platter with brownies, blondies, or other homemade cookies.
- Enjoy them slightly warm or garnish with a light dusting of sugar after they cool completely.
How to Store It
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their soft texture.
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze them. Separate layers with parchment paper if needed. Thaw the cookies at room temperature.
To warm them gently, place thawed cookies in a warm oven briefly. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugars so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Mix the flour into the wet ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies less tender.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them, since they will be delicate while hot.
Optional Variations
- Add a small amount of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Stir in chocolate chips for a richer, chocolate-filled cookie.
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sugar cookies without baking powder?
Yes. This recipe uses baking soda instead of baking powder, so no baking powder is needed.
How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake the cookies. Remove them when they are lightly golden, then let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet first?
The cookies continue to set as they cool. Allowing them to rest briefly makes them easier to transfer without breaking.
Can I freeze these sugar cookies?
Yes. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What makes these cookies taste like blondies?
The combination of butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like flavor reminiscent of a soft blondie.
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are easy to make, wonderfully buttery, and packed with rich brown sugar flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg Room temperature preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking area so the oven is ready when the dough is portioned.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between the portions.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden, watching closely near the end of baking.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
