There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Sugar cookies, with their simple yet delightful taste, have been a beloved treat across generations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family snack, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these soft and chewy sugar cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With their tender texture and subtly sweet flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details of creating these irresistible cookies.
Recipe
This soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe is straightforward and yields delectable results every time. The cookies are characterized by their tender crumb, slightly crisp edges, and a chewy center that melts in your mouth. The recipe is versatile, allowing for creative variations with sprinkles, icing, or even a hint of citrus zest. Whether you prefer them plain or with a festive touch, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it’s important to use quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the cookies, giving them their soft and chewy texture.
– 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies to rise and spread slightly.
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit more lift to ensure the cookies are light.
– 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter should be at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, providing moisture and richness.
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: The main sweetener, giving the cookies their delightful flavor.
– 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.
– 3 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture, helping to create the soft texture.
– Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Gives the cookies a delightful sugary crust.
Directions/Instructions
Creating these delectable sugar cookies is a breeze. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect batch:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent results.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined. These wet ingredients add flavor and moisture to the dough.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and coat each ball in the extra granulated sugar. This step gives the cookies a lovely sugary crust once baked.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. This helps the cookies spread evenly as they bake.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly without becoming overly crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
2. How can I make the cookies more festive?
For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar sprinkles before baking. You can also add a simple icing or drizzle once the cookies have cooled.
3. Why do my cookies turn out hard?
Overbaking is a common reason for hard cookies. Make sure to take them out of the oven when the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
4. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used in place of all-purpose flour. However, the texture may vary slightly.
5. How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container.
Conclusion
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Their simplicity and versatility make them a perfect canvas for creativity, whether you choose to add sprinkles, icing, or enjoy them plain. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the delightful experience of baking (and eating!) these classic sugar cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!