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Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

These soft and chewy sugar cookies are made with simple pantry ingredients and stay soft for days thanks to a bit of sour cream and the perfect balance of butter and sugar.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • Extra white sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream until well combined, but do not overmix.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and coat each one in extra white sugar.
  7. Place the cookie dough balls evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffy and just set in the middle.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

To keep cookies soft for days, the addition of sour cream is key. Slight underbaking ensures chewy centers. Store in an airtight container for freshness.