Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies. These cookies are a favorite for people of all ages. They are soft, chewy, and have a wonderful sweetness that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just to enjoy a treat at home, these cookies will surely delight everyone.
The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen. This recipe is also a great way to involve kids in cooking. They will enjoy mixing, rolling the dough, and of course, eating the cookies. Baking together can create wonderful memories and teach kids important skills in the kitchen.
Another great reason to make these cookies is their versatility. You can eat them plain, ice them, or decorate them for special occasions. You can also customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles. The options are endless! This recipe will give you soft and chewy cookies every time, making it a go-to for any cookie lover.
How to Make Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Making Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is easy and fun. With just a few simple steps, you can create warm, delicious cookies that will fill your home with a lovely aroma. Let’s go through the process together!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. This step is very important as it helps to develop a nice texture in your cookies.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is well blended.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Do not overmix; you want the dough to be tender.
Roll the Dough: Now, take a small portion of dough and roll it into balls. Each ball should be about 1 to 2 inches in size. Then roll the balls in the additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This step adds a lovely sweet crust to the cookies.
Place on Cookie Sheet: Place the sugar-coated balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. They may look a bit underbaked in the center, but they will continue to cook a little while cooling.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them to set properly.
Now you have a beautiful batch of Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies to enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Serving your Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is a delightful experience. These cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them on their own with a glass of milk. The sweet and chewy texture pairs perfectly with the cold refreshment of milk.
If you want to make your cookies feel special, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookies can be placed in a bowl, topped with ice cream, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. This makes for a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
You can also decorate the cookies for various occasions. Use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to create festive designs for holidays or birthdays. These touches can make your cookies a true centerpiece at any gathering.
How to Store Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Storing your Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is essential for keeping them fresh. Here are some simple tips to ensure they remain delicious:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy.
Refrigeration: If you need to store the cookies for longer, you can place them in the refrigerator. They will last about a week when stored properly.
Freezing: For even longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. These cookies can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Tips to Make Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature, as this helps it cream better with the sugar.
Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking them at around 8 minutes.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. You can add a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla or mix in some lemon zest.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can modify this recipe in various ways:
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Nutty Sugar Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: For a warm flavor, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. About 1-2 teaspoons should add a nice touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt slightly. This will keep the cookies from being too salty.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is great for preparing in advance.
3. Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Too much spreading can happen if the dough is too warm or if you didn’t use enough flour. Be sure to measure flour accurately and chill the dough if it’s sticky.
Baking Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies is a satisfying experience, producing delightful treats that everyone will enjoy. Follow these simple steps and tips to create cookies that are sure to impress!
Classic Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Roll portions of the dough into balls (about 1 to 2 inches) and roll them in the additional granulated sugar.
- Place the sugar-coated balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.