Description
These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat characterized by a tender crumb and a slightly crisp edge. Perfect for cookie lovers, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and come out perfectly baked every time. Rolled in granulated sugar for an extra sweet crunch, these cookies offer a classic, nostalgic flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated, making sure the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat them evenly for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Shape and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked to maintain chewiness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Flattening the dough balls slightly helps cookies spread evenly and bake uniformly.
- Cookies will seem soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
