Soft Sugar Cookies

By On May 10, 2023

These soft sugar cookies are perfectly chewy on the inside with sweet golden edges on the outside! The drop-style method makes these the easiest sugar cookies you will ever make, and everyone will fall in love with the chewy texture.

Quick and easy sugar cookies are definitely the way to go because this recipe doesn’t require any chilling or rolling out. The dough is rolled in sugar resulting in sweet crispy edges and soft chewy centers. The outcome is perfect in my opinion, and they remind me of my favorite snickerdoodle cookie recipe. And if you love sugar cookies, I also recommend making my go-to sugar cookies or trying this yummy recipe.

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

I can’t wait for you to make these because everyone will go crazy over the soft and chewy texture of these cookies! The dough is buttery and delicious, and the extra sugar on the outside bakes up perfectly golden. This recipe is perfect to whip up when you’re short on time but want to impress your guests.

The texture of this cookie is the best of both worlds because it is soft with a little bit of crunch on the outside. It keeps everyone coming for more because they love the flavors and textures of this cookie. If you are wanting more easy AND delicious desserts to wow your guests, try my brownies, this no-bake key lime pie, or this super easy dessert pizza.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Sugar Cookies

I love that this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients you will already have on hand, so you can make them any time you want! I make these soft sugar cookies year-round, not just for holidays. They’re just that good! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Butter: If your ingredients are at room temperature then they will mix together more smoothly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar will make this recipe sweet. Rolling in sugar helps the achieve crispy edges!
Egg: The egg will help bind the dough together. The yoke also adds chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: This will enhance the flavors of the sweet ingredients.
Flour: I used all-purpose flour for this recipe.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookie be soft.
Salt: This enhances the flavors.

This recipe comes together in a matter of minutes and you are going to love how easy they are to make! These soft sugar cookies are always the first cookies to go at any party. I am always using this no-fail recipe because they are fast and delicious. You will definitely want to keep this recipe close by because it will be on repeat!

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
Beat: Beat the butter and sugar together on high for 3-4 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until combined. I like to use my electric hand mixer!
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat just until combined.
Roll in Sugar: Use a large cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll into a ball and then roll in a small bowl with ¼ cup granulated sugar.
Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are just starting to get color on them. They will look severely underdone, but they will continue to bake on the baking sheet.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

First photo of the butter and sugar creamed together. Second photo is the flour added to the creamed mixture. Third photo is the sugar cookie dough mixed. Fourth photo is a ball of dough rolled in a bowl of sugar.

Tips and Variations

These soft sugar cookies are SO GOOD, and I want to help make sure that yours turn out perfectly! Here are a few tips and tricks to help make these cookies soft and chewy.

Cream Well: Be sure to beat the butter and sugar together for the full 3-4 minutes. It will become pale and very fluffy and will create softer, fluffier cookies.
Use High-Quality Vanilla: These cookies have a very simple flavor profile, so high-quality vanilla goes a long way.
Don’t Overbake: Don’t overbake the cookies! Pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely turning golden brown. They will look very underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Change Up the Extract: Sometimes I substitute the vanilla with coconut or almond extract. Lemon extract would be yummy too!
Add Frosting: These soft sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but feel free to add your favorite frosting if you like.
Fun Add-Ins: It’s fun to add lemon zest or lime zest to add more flavor. You can also add sprinkles to the dough for added color!

Close up view of stacked sugar cookies on a cooling rack. Cookies are broken in half and stacked next to each other.

Storing Leftovers

These soft sugar cookies make fantastic leftovers because the softness will last if stored correctly. So double up that recipe and make a few extra to enjoy later!

On the Counter: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container on your counter. They will last up to 7 days!
In the Freezer: After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze them first, then place them in a freezer-safe sealable bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a sealable container.