Tender Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Soft Chewy Cookies You’ll Love
A simple and reliable sugar cookie recipe that yields tender, soft, and chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for any occasion and easy to make with pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or finely grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Measure all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on baking sheets. For flatter cookies, gently press each ball with fingers or bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft and underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Do not skip the cornstarch as it softens gluten development for tender cookies. Use room temperature eggs and butter for better creaming. Chill dough to prevent spreading. Watch baking time closely to keep centers soft. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and chill dough longer. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 1
Keywords: sugar cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, tender cookies, easy cookie recipe, baking, dessert, homemade cookies