Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Their delightful texture, which is both dense and slightly chewy, makes them perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night at home. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies bring bakery-style goodness straight from your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them sit for a day for a perfectly tender bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour creates a soft yet chewy consistency that everyone loves.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain or customize with your favorite toppings like sprinkles or frosting.
• Great for Batch Baking: This recipe yields 12 delicious cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends or family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cookie-baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools in advance. Having the right equipment on hand will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Hand or stand mixer: Helps to mix butter and sugars thoroughly for a creamy texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

These are the BEST sugar cookies. They are dense, doughy, and slightly chewy on the outside. It’s like making bakery-style sugar cookies in your own kitchen.

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour (175g)
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (192g)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (220g)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (250g)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

For Topping:

• Sparkling sugar, for sprinkling on top

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including cake flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside as it will be added later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to mix together the melted butter along with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in one large egg, one egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until blended smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in thirds until everything comes together. Be careful not to over mix; we want our cookies to be dense yet tender.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Line a plate or small cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a large 2 oz scoop, scoop out rounded balls of dough onto the tray without flattening them. Place them in the fridge for 1–2 hours until they are almost rock-hard.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange 4–5 cookie dough balls on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper about three inches apart.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 12–14 minutes. A shorter bake time gives you a more doughy center; adjust based on your preference. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers pale.

Step 8: Cool Down

Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack. While still warm, sprinkle sparkling sugar on top for that perfect bakery-style finish.

Step 9: Enjoy!

These cookies can be savored fresh from the oven or allowed to cool completely at room temperature where they firm up yet remain delightfully chewy. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft and chewy sugar cookies are not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments for a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie enjoyment.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of sugar cookies, making each bite even more satisfying.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a rich beverage.

Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.

Whipped Cream

• Top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.

Decorate with Sprinkles

• Add colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie before serving for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for celebrations.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy sugar cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use cake flour: The light texture of cake flour helps create that soft, tender crumb that makes these cookies irresistible.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only improves flavor but also prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Watch the baking time: For softer centers, aim for 12 minutes in the oven. Adjust the time slightly if you prefer firmer edges.

• Sprinkle immediately: Adding sparkling sugar while still warm gives that bakery-style finish and enhances sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your soft and chewy sugar cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy counterpart.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Dip cookie pieces in warm chocolate for an extra indulgence.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can create a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
5. Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix provides texture and complements the softness of the cookies.
6. Chilled Lemonade – The zesty flavor cuts through sweetness, refreshing your palate between bites.
7. Honey Drizzled Ricotta – Spread ricotta cheese on cookie halves drizzled with honey for a delightful twist.
8. Vanilla Pudding – Serve alongside creamy pudding for an enjoyable textural difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain the desired texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough results in cookies that spread too much. Always chill your dough until it is firm.
• Using incorrect measurements: Be precise with your flour measurements. Too much flour can make cookies dry, so use a kitchen scale if possible.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects cookie texture. Preheat your oven properly before baking for even cooking.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping onto a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months as well.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes for warm cookies.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing a lid over it for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies.

How can I make my Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies more flavorful?

You can add citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance flavor.

Why are my cookies not chewy?

If your cookies are crisp instead of chewy, ensure you’re measuring flour accurately and chilling the dough properly.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?

Yes! You can use alternative flours or sweeteners, but check ratios as they may change the texture.

What’s the best way to decorate Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?

You can top them with sparkling sugar before baking or frost them with your favorite icing after they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain or customize them with your favorite toppings or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have delicious cookies perfect for any occasion!