Chewy Soft Sugar Cookies

Everyone loves these Cloud-soft Sugar Cookies with their melt-in-your-mouth chewiness and balanced sweetness. They're a no-fuss treat you can throw together with pantry staples for anything from afternoon snacks to fancy holiday parties. The regular vanilla flavor gets an extra kick if you add some almond extract—making these little goodies hard to resist!

INGREDIENTS

• Salt: ½ tsp, brings out the cookie flavors
• Large egg: 1, at room temperature, holds everything together
• Baking powder: ½ tsp, makes them rise
• Baking soda: ½ tsp, creates lift
• Vanilla extract: 1 tbsp, adds warmth
• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups (218 g), forms the base
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113 g), softened, creates tenderness
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g), plus ¼ cup (50 g) for coating, adds sweetness
• Almond extract (optional): ½ tsp, gives extra flavor depth

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Beat the butter with 1 cup sugar until it's fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes on medium.

Step 2:

Mix in your egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if you want) until everything's blended well.

Step 3:

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in another bowl with a quick whisk.

Step 4:

Slowly add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until barely combined. Don't go overboard with mixing.

Step 5:

Form 2-ounce balls from the dough, roll them in the extra sugar, and cool in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 6:

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C).

Step 7:

Put your chilled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving 2-3 inches between them.

Step 8:

Bake until you see puffy centers with cracks and set edges, around 11-12 minutes.

Step 9:

Let them sit on the hot pan for 10 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling. Dive in!

Serving and Storage Tips

• For a fun look, try rolling the dough in colored sugar before you bake.
• Keep your cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

• Want extra chewiness? Take them out a bit early and let them finish setting on the hot baking sheet.
• The chilling step keeps your cookies from spreading flat in the oven.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Anna says try adding a tiny bit of cinnamon to your rolling sugar for extra flavor.

Why You'll Love Cloud-soft Sugar Cookies

These cookies hit the sweet spot between soft and chewy with their lovely vanilla-almond taste. They're super easy to make, work for any occasion, and never last long at parties. Grab them warm from the oven or save some for your midnight snack attack.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough?

Sure thing! Freeze those dough balls up to 3 months. When you're ready, bake them frozen but add an extra minute or two.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You bet! Just swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix and you're good to go.

How can I make the cookies softer?

Toss in an extra egg yolk to your dough for even softer cookies.

Can I add sprinkles to the dough?

Absolutely! Mix sprinkles into the dough or roll the balls in them before baking for a fun party look.

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Summary

Chewy Soft Sugar Cookies bring sweetness to every bite. A quick, fuss-free treat anyone can make in under an hour. Enjoy fresh and warm or stash them in a sealed container for later. Add sprinkles for extra fun or serve plain for that classic cookie vibe!