Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Quick Answer
Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, 2 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp almond extract. Mix in 1.5 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cookies will look underdone — they firm up as they cool.
Thick, buttery sugar cookies with perfectly soft centers and lightly crisp edges
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are thick, pillowy, and absolutely loaded with butter and vanilla flavor. They're the kind of sugar cookie where you take one bite, close your eyes, and immediately reach for another.
Unlike cut-out sugar cookies that require rolling and chilling, these are drop cookies — scoop, bake, done. The dough comes together in 15 minutes, and there's no chilling step required. Cream cheese in the dough is the secret ingredient that makes them impossibly soft and keeps them fresh for days.
Coat them in sparkling sugar before baking for a gorgeous crackly top. They're perfect plain, incredible with a swirl of frosting, and absolutely essential on any holiday cookie platter.
About This Recipe
"Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies" is a Dessert recipe that brings all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, softened, granulated sugar, cream cheese, softened and egg together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 24 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sparkling/coarse sugar for rolling
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Cream butter, sugar, and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- 3
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- 4
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in sparkling sugar to coat.
- 5
Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes — the cookies should look slightly underdone and puffy.
- 6
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they'll deflate slightly into thick, soft cookies), then transfer to a wire rack.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. All-purpose flour is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Sheet pan work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies" is a versatile Dessert dish that pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or espresso, lightly sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or at room temperature for 1–2 days if it does not contain dairy or custard. Cover loosely so the texture stays fresh. For the best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sugar cookies soft and chewy?
Three things: slightly underbaking (pull them when edges are barely golden), using more brown sugar or adding cream of tartar (which adds moisture), and not overmixing the flour. The cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
Why do my sugar cookies spread too much?
Usually the butter was too soft or melted. Use room temperature butter that holds a fingerprint but isn't squishy. Also check that your baking soda isn't expired and your flour measurement is accurate (spoon and level, don't scoop).
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
These soft cookies aren't ideal for royal icing (they're too puffy). For decorated sugar cookies, use a roll-and-cut recipe with more flour and chilled dough. These are best with a simple dip in sugar or drizzled glaze.
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