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Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Soft and chewy sugar cookies have lightly crisp edges and tender centers, with each dough portion rolled in granulated sugar before baking. A one-hour chill helps the dough hold its shape in the oven.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling and cooling 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 37 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar divided (1.5 cups for the dough and 0.25 cup for rolling)
  • 1 egg large, at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk large, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 large baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1 1/2 cups of the sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined.
  4. Mix in the flour mixture on low speed just until no dry streaks remain.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
  6. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  7. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Put the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl.
  9. Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon portions, roll each portion in the sugar, and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  10. Bake in batches for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underdone.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Notes

For the softest centers, remove the cookies when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly underdone. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; freeze for up to 3 months. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can be used as a dietary swap.