Description
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for any occasion. They have a tender texture with slightly crisp edges and a sweet sugary coating that adds an irresistible crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture becomes well combined and smooth, adding flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, coating them evenly for added sweetness and a crackly exterior.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and gently flatten each ball slightly to encourage even baking and spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just slightly underbaked to keep the cookies soft and chewy inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they finish firming up without becoming hard.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Flattening the dough balls slightly helps the cookies bake evenly and develop a chewy center.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or substituting half the vanilla extract with almond extract.
