- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
💡 Tip: Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother mixing and better texture.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla — mix well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional)
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes (helps prevent spreading).
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Leave space between each — they spread slightly.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 10–12 minutes , until lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Step 6: Optional Frosting or Toppings
- Dip in icing, drizzle with glaze, or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t overbake — they firm up as they cool!
💡 Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature butter — it creams better and traps more air for softness.
- Don’t skip the baking soda — it helps cookies puff slightly without going flat.
- If using salted butter , reduce added salt by half.
- Roll the dough in sugar before baking for that classic bakery look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft longer.
📦 Creative Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists:
Try a PB&J twist by adding peanut butter and a dollop of jam before baking!
🥣 How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These versatile cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk or hot tea
- As part of a holiday cookie tray
- With fresh berries or whipped cream
- Dipped in melted chocolate or caramel sauce
- At baby showers, school events, or bake sales
Perfect for after-school snacks , weekend baking , or easy dessert ideas !
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Proper storage keeps your cookies tasting great:
- Room Temperature : Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days .
- Freezer : Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months .
- Reheating : Warm in microwave for 10 seconds or toaster oven for best results.
Great for meal prep , gifting , or holiday baking !
📈 Monetization Hacks for Bloggers & Content Creators
If you run a food blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, this type of content is perfect for monetization . Here’s how to maximize its earning potential:
1. AdSense Optimization
- Use clear headings and subheadings for better readability.
- Insert ads between sections or after the first 300 words.
- Use high-performing ad units like in-article banners or native display ads .
2. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommend kitchen tools like cookie scoops , mixing bowls , or cookie sheets .
- Link to ingredient brands or specialty products (e.g., organic sugar, European butter).
- Earn commissions via Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.
3. Email List Building
- Offer a free printable recipe card or themed eBook behind an email opt-in.
- Create a “Holiday Cookie Collection” or “Beginner Baking Guide” as lead magnets.
4. YouTube & Social Media Strategy
- Film a short-form video showing the step-by-step process (ideal for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts).
- Use keywords like “soft sugar cookie recipe,” “chewy sugar cookies,” and “easy cookie recipes” in your titles and descriptions.
- Include affiliate links in your description box or pinned comment.
5. Sponsored Content Opportunities
- Pitch this recipe to baking brands, dairy companies, or kitchenware suppliers.
- Showcase branded ingredients or appliances in your photos/videos.
📊 SEO Tips for Maximum Reach
To help your post rank higher in search engines, optimize for these keywords:
- "Soft and chewy sugar cookies"
- "Best sugar cookie recipe"
- "Chewy sugar cookies recipe"
- "Easy homemade cookie recipe"
- "Classic sugar cookie recipe"
- "No-frosting sugar cookies"
Use them naturally throughout your content, especially in:
- Headings
- Image alt text
- Meta descriptions
- Video titles and tags
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes — but the texture may be slightly less rich.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for denser cookies.
Q: Why did my cookies flatten too much?
A: Dough was likely too warm — try chilling next time.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yep! Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to bags — bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Q: Do I have to use both baking soda and baking powder?
A: This recipe uses baking soda only — but many bakers use both for extra rise.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the biggest impact. Whether you're baking with kids, packaging them for gifts, or just enjoying one with coffee, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite.