Name: Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Sparkling sugar, for sprinkling on top

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect comforting treat, I’m so excited to share my Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are pure magic because they strike the perfect balance between dense, doughy, and just a little bit chewy on the outside. Imagine bakery-style sugar cookies that you can whip up right in your own kitchen — warm, fragrant, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you want to bake them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe delivers soft, tender bites that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of creamy light beige cookie dough inside a clear glass bowl. The dough has a soft, slightly uneven texture with visible small lumps. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is partially visible, about to scoop the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s wonderful about this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each element plays its role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and delicious golden color you’re craving.

Cake flour: Use 1 1/2 cups to keep the cookies tender and delicately soft, perfect for that chewy melt-in-your-mouth feel.
All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups provide structure so the cookies hold their shape without becoming tough.
Salt: Just 3/4 teaspoon to subtly enhance the sweetness and balance the flavor beautifully.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise slightly, giving a lovely chewiness without puffiness.
Unsalted butter, melted: A full cup adds rich flavor and contributes to the dense, moist texture.
Granulated sugar: 1 1/4 cups create the classic sweet base and crunch on the edges.
Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup packed for deep, caramel notes that amplify chewiness.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for that warm, aromatic backdrop everyone loves in a sugar cookie.
Egg and egg yolk: 1 large egg plus 1 yolk bind the dough and keep it tender without drying out.
Sparkling sugar: For sprinkling on top to add sparkle and a little crunch that feels extra fancy.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your cake flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. Whisking these together not only ensures everything is evenly distributed but also makes folding them into the wet mixture a breeze. This step sets the stage for a consistent, tender cookie crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. This process blends the ingredients fully, creating a smooth, decadent base for your cookies, and kickstarting that irresistible chewiness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract. The extra yolk enriches the dough, giving it a soft, luscious texture that’s essential for our Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. The vanilla infuses every bite with warmth and depth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients in thirds, folding just until combined each time. You want to be gentle here — overmixing can make cookies tough, and we are aiming for that perfectly dense yet tender bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Using a 2-ounce scoop, portion out the dough onto a wax paper-lined tray. Keep the dough nice and rounded without flattening. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the dough is firm and almost rock hard. This chilling period is crucial for developing the cookie’s chewy exterior and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place 4 to 5 cookies spaced about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn a gentle golden brown but the centers stay pale — that’s your sign they will be tender yet chewy after cooling. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar while still warm for that charming bakery touch.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Two beige cookies with a soft, cracked surface lie on a white marbled surface. The cookie in front has a bite taken out of it, revealing a slightly crumbly, dense texture inside. Both cookies are topped with coarse, sparkling sugar crystals, which add a shiny, rough layer on top. The focus is sharp on the front cookie's top and bite area, while the cookie in the background is softly blurred, giving depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your cookies to the next level, sprinkle them with colored sparkling sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar right after baking. These subtle garnishes add sparkle and a hint of extra flavor that will amaze your taste buds and guests alike.

Side Dishes

This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit compote for an indulgent dessert. For a simple snack, a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea complements the cookies’ sweet, buttery flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant twist that still celebrates that soft and chewy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying fresh cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay just as soft and chewy for up to 3 days, making them ideal for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to keep the joy going longer, freeze the cookie dough balls after scooping but before baking. Simply wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time for perfectly fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

To revive your stored sugar cookies, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that irresistible softness and chewy texture as if they were just baked.

FAQs

Can I use all all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Using cake flour is key for achieving that delicate chewiness and tender texture because of its lower protein content. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour mixed with 3 tablespoons cornstarch for a similar effect.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which prevents excessive spreading and helps the cookies maintain their shape. It also enhances the texture, giving you that perfect dense and chewy cookie rather than thin and crisp.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With some experimentation, you can substitute gluten-free flour blends, but it may affect the texture slightly. For the best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe results, sticking to the original flours is recommended.

How do I make the cookies more colorful for holidays?

Simply roll the dough balls in colored sparkling sugar before baking or add a few drops of food coloring to your dough. These small tweaks make your cookies festive while keeping their soft chew intact.

What if I want a crispier cookie?

Bake the cookies a few minutes longer until edges are a deeper golden brown and centers set more firmly. However, keep in mind this will trade some of the signature chewiness. Adjust the bake time carefully to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is destined to become your go-to whenever a craving hits. It’s simple, comforting, and delivers that bakery-quality cookie straight from your oven. So grab your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delightful cookies that everyone will love!