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Sugar Cookie Recipe – Best Soft and Chewy Homemade Cookies

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These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat with crisp edges and pillowy centers. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) additional granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. For warm kitchens, chill sheets in the freezer briefly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined. Finish stirring by hand if needed.
  6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). For a quick chill, freeze for 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position racks in the middle.
  8. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion dough. Roll each ball smooth, then roll in additional granulated sugar.
  9. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
  10. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underdone.
  11. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  12. If cookies spread too much, check chilling time and flour measurement. For thicker cookies, flatten dough balls slightly before baking.
  13. Keep dough chilled between batches if baking in rounds.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for soft, chewy cookies and prevents spreading. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter. Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist, or almond extract for nutty flavor. Cookies can be decorated with icing and sprinkles once cooled. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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