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The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe That Holds Its Shape

A stack of five golden, soft sugar cookie treats coated in cinnamon sugar, resting on a white plate.
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Follow this straightforward recipe for classic sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy while holding their shape perfectly for cutouts and decorating. This is the reliable, buttery recipe you need for homemade sugar cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling is key for cut out sugar cookies that don’t spread.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For softer cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • For the best results when cutting shapes, chill the rolled-out dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • If you plan to use royal icing for detailed decorating, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying the icing.
  • This recipe makes a buttery sugar cookie recipe base that works well with any type of frosting, including simple buttercream for sugar cookies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/best-soft-chewy-sugar-cookie-recipe-holds-shape/