Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible: The Easiest Sugar Cookie Recipe That Will Impress Everyone This Holiday Season

Who says making sugar cookies has to be complicated?

If you’re like me, you want a recipe that’s quick, easy, and never disappoints.

This Best Ever Sugar Cookie Recipe checks all the boxes: it’s soft, chewy, and, best of all, doesn’t require any fancy steps.

Whether you’re making a batch for a BBQ dessert or need something festive for Christmas, this Easy Delicious Sugar Cookie Recipe will come through in the clutch.

I’ll show you how to get perfect results every time, and why this recipe is your new go-to for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick Prep: No need to freeze or chill the dough with this No Freeze Sugar Cookies recipe.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crisp at the edges, these are the Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies you’ve been looking for.
• Great for Groups: Whether it’s a small batch or for a crowd, this is the Food For A Group solution.
• Decorating Made Easy: The dough holds its shape for all your cookie-cutter needs in this Sugar Cookie Cutout Recipe!

Soft, Thick & Chewy Sugar Cookies

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Ingredients (For 4 People):

1. Butter – ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted, room temperature (substitute: coconut oil for dairy-free)
2. Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup (organic cane sugar works well too)
3. Egg – 1 large (substitute: ¼ cup applesauce for egg-free)
4. Vanilla Extract – 1 ½ tsp (organic vanilla for a richer taste)
5. All-Purpose Flour – 1 ¾ cups (substitute: gluten-free all-purpose flour)
6. Baking Powder – 1 tsp
7. Baking Soda – ¼ tsp
8. Salt – ¼ tsp
9. Cornstarch – 1 tbsp (adds to the soft, chewy texture)
10. Cinnamon (optional) – ¼ tsp (for a subtle spice twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). If using coconut oil, make sure it’s solid but soft at room temperature.
   • Tip: Beating the butter and sugar well helps to create air pockets, leading to soft and chewy cookies.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
   • Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat until combined. If you’re using applesauce, add it in place of the egg now.
   • Tip: Eggs help with the structure of the cookie, so if you’re using applesauce, add a touch of extra baking powder (¼ tsp) for lift.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
   • Tip: The cornstarch is key to creating that extra soft texture without making the cookie dough too dense.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
   • Tip: If the dough seems too sticky, chill it for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge. This helps with handling and prevents spreading while baking.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   • For round cookies, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
   • Cut-out Version: If you’re making cut-out shapes, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes like hearts, Christmas trees, or Halloween pumpkins using cookie cutters.
   • Tip: When making cut-outs, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling to avoid sticking and maintain sharp edges.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly puffy.
   • Tip: Don’t wait for the cookies to brown fully; they should be soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to cook slightly on the tray.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Garnishing & Decoration Options:

1. Classic Sugar Topping: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a simple, sparkling finish.
2. Royal Icing: For decorating Royal Icing Cookies Simple, use royal icing to pipe festive designs on the cut-out cookies. Perfect for Christmas or Halloween!
3. Sprinkles: Add colored sprinkles on top before baking or after icing for an extra pop of color.
4. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a more indulgent finish.
5. Cinnamon-Sugar Dusting: Mix cinnamon and sugar and dust lightly over warm cookies for a delicious twist.

Notes to Remember:

• For a more health-conscious option, substitute half of the flour with almond or oat flour.
• These cookies stay soft and chewy for days if stored in an airtight container.
• Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.
• Customize your cut-outs for different holidays using themed cookie cutters.

Few extra points and clarifications to ensure you get the best results when making these Soft, Thick & Sugar Cookies:

1. Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, especially for the cut-out version, don’t hesitate to refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. This step can make the dough much easier to roll out and cut without losing its shape. If you’re in a warm kitchen, chilling may be necessary.
2. Rolling Thickness for Cut-Out Cookies: Be careful not to roll the dough too thin, especially for the cut-out version. Keep the thickness around ¼ inch for best results. Thinner cookies may bake unevenly or be too crispy, while thicker cookies stay soft and chewy.
3. Reusing Dough Scraps: When cutting out shapes, you’ll end up with dough scraps. Roll these scraps out again, but be mindful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tougher. If the dough becomes difficult to manage, chill it briefly before re-rolling.
4. Watch the Baking Time: The key to maintaining that soft, chewy texture is not overbaking. The cookies may look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. This ensures they stay soft in the middle.
5. Substituting Ingredients:
   • If you’re using gluten-free flour, it might absorb more moisture, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid (like milk or a non-dairy alternative) to maintain the right dough consistency.
   • If substituting coconut oil for butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted. Melted oil will cause the cookies to spread too much.
6. Prepping Your Baking Sheets: Ensure the baking sheets are lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
7. Measuring Flour: Over-measuring flour is a common issue. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour will make the cookies dense rather than soft.
8. Decorating Tip: If you’re using royal icing for decorating, let the cookies cool completely before icing them. Warm cookies will melt the icing, and the designs won’t hold.

 Key points for using cookie cutters to make smooth, clean-shaped cut-out cookies

1. Chilled Dough

• Even though this recipe can be made without chilling, slightly chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes can make it firmer and easier to cut, especially when making detailed shapes like hearts, Christmas trees, or Halloween designs. It helps maintain the shape during baking.

2. Flour Your Work Surface and Cutter

• Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Also, dip the cookie cutter in flour between cuts to get smooth, clean edges.

3. Roll Dough Evenly

• Roll out the dough to an even thickness, usually about ¼ inch thick. This ensures that all the cookies bake evenly and have consistent textures.
• Too thin, and they may burn or become too crispy; too thick, and they may remain doughy inside.

4. Minimize Dough Handling

• Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid warming it up.
• The warmer it gets, the harder it becomes to cut clean shapes, and the cookies may spread too much while baking.

5. Space Cuts Efficiently

• Place the cookie cutters as close to each other as possible to minimize dough scraps and avoid over-rolling.
• Dough that’s rolled out too many times can become tough due to excess flour.

6. Transfer with Care

• After cutting out the shapes, use a thin spatula to carefully lift and transfer the cookies to the baking sheet.
• This prevents the dough from stretching and distorting the shapes.

7. Chill After Cutting (Optional)

• For sharper edges, you can chill the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
• This helps them hold their shape even better during baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Soft, Thick Sugar Cookies

1. Ingredient Selection

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
• Substituting flour incorrectly: If you’re using gluten-free flour, be sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend that contains xanthan gum to avoid crumbling. Regular gluten-free flour can make your cookies fall apart.
• Wrong sugar choice: Substituting granulated sugar with other sweeteners without considering the texture will lead to flat, crispy cookies. Stick to granulated sugar for this recipe, or if you must, use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.

2. Preparation Pitfalls

• Overmixing the dough: Once you add flour to your wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of Soft Baked Sugar Cookies.
• Skipping dough chilling: Not chilling the dough before baking leads to cookies that spread too much. For the Best Ever Sugar Cookie Recipe, always chill the dough for at least 15 minutes.

3. Cooking Techniques

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and use an oven thermometer if necessary. If your oven is too hot, the cookies will brown too quickly and not bake evenly. Too low, and they’ll be undercooked in the center.
• Baking too long: Avoid overbaking! The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue cooking on the tray. For Chewy Soft Sugar Cookies, 10-12 minutes is ideal.

4. Seasoning and Flavoring

• Under-flavoring the dough: Don’t skimp on vanilla! Vanilla adds depth to the flavor. If you’re aiming for a richer taste, use a high-quality vanilla extract or add a dash of almond extract for extra warmth.
• Over-sugaring the cookies: If rolling your cookies in sugar, be cautious about the amount. Too much can lead to a gritty texture and overshadow the delicate flavors of the cookie.

5. Presentation Tips

• Cut-out cookies losing shape: To make Royal Icing Cookies Simple, ensure the dough is cold when cutting out shapes. If your dough is too warm, the cookies will spread and lose their shape. Chilling the cut-outs for 15 minutes before baking will ensure they hold their form.
• Uneven cookie thickness: When rolling out the dough for the Sugar Cookie Cutout Recipe, keep the thickness even—ideally ¼ inch—to prevent uneven baking.
• Over-decorating: When decorating with icing or sprinkles, less is more. Heavy frosting or too many sprinkles can overwhelm the cookie’s delicate flavor. For a clean finish, use light royal icing and a few sprinkles for a professional look.

Pairing Suggestions, Seasonal Variation for Soft, Thick & Chewy Sugar Cookies

1. Pairing Suggestions

Enhance the flavors of your Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies by pairing them with these complementary treats:

• Beverages: A warm cup of chai, coffee with vanilla creamer, or a light spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies. If you’re feeling festive, a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa is always a great match.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness or with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie for a fun twist. These cookies also work as a great dessert following a savory BBQ meal, making it a perfect BBQ dessert option.
• Main Courses: These cookies shine after a lighter meal, such as grilled chicken, a crisp salad, or a brunch spread.

2. Seasonal Variations

Adapt your Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe to align with the season:

• Summer: Add fresh lemon zest or lavender to the dough to give the cookies a bright, refreshing flavor. Pair with an iced lemonade or light fruit punch.
• Fall/Winter: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the mix for a cozy, seasonal twist. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipes will pair well with hot chocolate or mulled wine during the holiday season.
• Spring: Use pastel-colored royal icing or edible flowers for a fresh, springtime look. The cookies can be served with light fruity desserts or herbal teas.

Pro Tips and FAQs

1. Pro Tips

• Chill the Dough: Even though this is a Sugar Cookie Recipe No Chill, if you prefer extra firm shapes for cut out cookie recipes, chilling the dough for 15 minutes can help.
• Measuring Flour: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the “spoon and level” method to avoid packing the flour.
• Dough Thickness: Roll your dough to a consistent thickness of ¼ inch for even baking, especially when making shapes like heart, Christmas, or Halloween cutouts.
• Baking Time: For the Softest Sugar Cookies, bake them just until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft. They’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Cutout Cookies: When making shaped cookies, use a lightly floured surface and dip the cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking.

2. FAQs

• Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
  A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum for the best results. This will maintain the chewy texture while being allergen-friendly.
• Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
  A: Although this is a No Freeze Sugar Cookies recipe, if you want sharper cutouts, chilling for 10-15 minutes before rolling can help.
• Q: How long can I store these cookies?
  A: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months.
• Q: Can I substitute butter?
  A: You can substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. However, the flavor may slightly change. For dairy-free options, ensure you’re using organic or allergen-friendly ingredients.

Closing Thoughts:

I hope this recipe for Soft Chewy Sugar Cookies becomes a staple in your kitchen! These cookies are versatile, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re trying out festive shapes or just want a quick, sweet treat, this recipe has got you covered.

I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out—share your creations or any fun variations you came up with! Feel free to comment below or tag me on social media. Happy baking!

Soft, Thick Sugar Cookies Recipe

This Best Ever Sugar cookie recipe is sure to become your go-to, whether you need a quick dessert or are gearing up for festive baking. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your cookie designs!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ cups 300g all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for lower glycemic)
• 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter)
• 1 large egg or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
• Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
• Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Mix wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms.
• For soft, thick cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, slightly flatten, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes in the fridge. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
• For cut-out cookies: Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters in desired shapes (hearts, Christmas trees, pumpkins). Chill cut-outs for 15 minutes before baking to maintain shape. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Notes

Garnishing & Decoration Options:

• Dust with powdered sugar or colored sprinkles.
• Decorate with royal icing or glaze.
• Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed nuts for texture.

Notes:

• Chill the dough to avoid spreading.
• Use room temperature butter for the best texture.

Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are based on personal preferences and are provided for informational purposes only. I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, but cannot guarantee that the information will always be up to date or error-free. They should not be considered as medical or health advice. If you have any health issues, dietary restrictions, or allergies, please consult with a specialist or healthcare provider before trying any recipe. I do not accept responsibility for any adverse effects that may arise from the preparation or consumption of the dishes featured on this site. Also, the final outcome of the recipes can look different depending on a lot of factors, including the cooking temperature, process, utensils you use, spices, etc. Enjoy responsibly!