Description

This recipe delivers soft and chewy sugar cookies with a perfect balance of tenderness and slight crisp edges, ideal for festive celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (30g) cream cheese, softened (optional)
Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for festive decoration)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
Cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. If using cream cheese, add it here and beat until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Stop when no flour streaks remain.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
Scoop dough balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons (22g) each onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press colored sugar or sprinkles on top if desired.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for chewiness and to prevent spreading. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. Store with a slice of bread in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 20
Protein: 2

Keywords: soft sugar cookies, chewy sugar cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats, easy sugar cookies, homemade cookies