Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Perfect Every Time

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. This Homemade Sugar Cookie Recipe delivers perfectly chewy cookies with crisp edges and a rich buttery flavor, ideal for holidays, bake sales, or a cozy afternoon treat. These Small Sugar Cookies bake up beautifully golden and taste just like your favorite bakery version. Save this recipe for your next baking day, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your cookie jar will never stay full for long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and sugar creates cookies that are tender inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: No fancy tools or ingredients required, just the basics you already have.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for Christmas, birthdays, or as a year-round sweet snack.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, frosting, or colored sugar to make them festive for any season.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze the dough or baked cookies easily for quick treats anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (for extra softness)
• Additional sugar for rolling (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step is key to creating that soft and chewy sugar cookie texture.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. For small sugar cookies, make smaller 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in sugar if desired.
7. Bake: Place cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Add a Flavor Twist: Mix in a dash of almond extract or lemon zest for a fun variation.
• For Crispier Cookies: Bake for an extra minute or two until the edges are golden brown.
• Holiday Version: Top with colored sugar before baking or decorate with royal icing once cooled.
• Brown Sugar Boost: Replace ¼ cup of white sugar with light brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container, it helps retain moisture.
• Refrigerator: Store dough for up to 3 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow cookies to cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Enjoy warm cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Sandwich two cookies with vanilla frosting or chocolate ganache for a sweet twist.
• Serve with ice cream for an easy dessert, vanilla or caramel works perfectly.
• For the holidays, package small sugar cookies in gift boxes with ribbons for friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my sugar cookies hard instead of soft?

Overbaking is the most common reason. Sugar cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are just set — the centers will finish baking as they cool. Using too much flour can also make them dry, so measure carefully.

Can I make these sugar cookies without chilling the dough?

Yes! This best chewy sugar cookie recipe doesn’t require chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or you want thicker cookies, chilling for 20–30 minutes can help prevent spreading.

How do I make my sugar cookies extra chewy?

The secret is in the ratio of butter to sugar and baking time. Using enough butter and slightly underbaking the cookies creates a soft, chewy texture. Adding a tablespoon of milk helps lock in moisture too.

Can I decorate these cookies?

Absolutely! Once cooled, you can top them with frosting, glaze, or sprinkles. For a simple touch, roll the dough in colored sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.

Ready to Make It?

If you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and perfectly chewy, this Homemade Sugar Cookie Recipe is the one to try. It’s easy, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and bake a batch today, you’ll want to make them again and again!

You Might Also Like

• Vegetarian Stuffing – Classic bread stuffing made vegetarian with herbs and sautéed vegetables for a flavorful, cozy side
• Chocolate Orange Cake – Soft chocolate cake with a hint of orange zest and smooth ganache
• Chicken Cornbread Dressing – Tender chicken and golden cornbread baked together for a warm, home-style favorite
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – Creamy peanut butter filling topped with chocolate

Print