Classic Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies – A Timeless Treat

Name: Classic Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies – A Timeless Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 150 ml (½ cup + 2 tbsp) yogurt (or kefir); 2 tbsp sugar + extra for sprinkling; 70 ml (5 tbsp) vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 300–320 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour

Hi I'm Paul

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 6, 2025

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There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies filling the house. It’s a scent that brings back childhood memories—standing on my tiptoes, peeking over the kitchen counter, watching as my grandmother skillfully rolled out the dough, and carefully cutting out each cookie with her collection of well-worn cutters.

Baking sugar cookies wasn’t just about making a sweet treat; it was a cherished ritual. She always believed that the simplest ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla—held the power to bring people together. Whether it was for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon, sugar cookies were always on the menu.

Now, as I bake these cookies in my own kitchen, I feel that same warmth. I watch my own family gather around, eagerly waiting for the first batch to come out of the oven. These Classic Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, with a light crispness on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.

No fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pure, homemade goodness.

Why These Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

1. Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet

Unlike store-bought sugar cookies that can be overly dry or too crisp, these cookies strike the perfect balance—lightly golden on the edges, soft in the center, and just the right amount of sweetness.

2. Made with Simple Pantry Staples

This recipe uses only a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have at home—flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. No butter is needed, as vegetable oil keeps the cookies light and soft.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

No chilling time, no complicated steps—these cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.

4. Customizable for Any Occasion

Whether you love them plain, sprinkled with sugar, or decorated with icing, these sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. They can be shaped into festive designs for holidays or enjoyed as simple rounds with a dusting of sugar for an everyday treat.

5. Healthier Alternative to Butter-Based Cookies

Thanks to the use of yogurt (or kefir) and vegetable oil, these cookies are lighter than traditional butter-heavy sugar cookies. They have a soft texture without feeling greasy or overly rich.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Egg	1 large
Yogurt (or Kefir)	150 ml (½ cup + 2 tbsp)
Sugar	2 tbsp + extra for sprinkling
Vegetable Oil	70 ml (5 tbsp)
Vanilla	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Baking Powder	1 tsp
Flour	300–320 g (2½ cups)

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the yogurt (or kefir), vegetable oil, and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder, stirring continuously. Knead gently until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Sprinkle with Sugar: Lightly brush the tops with water and sprinkle with extra sugar for a sweet, crispy finish.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	90 kcal
Carbohydrates	14 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	3 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	50 mg

How to Enjoy These Sugar Cookies

1. Classic with a Cup of Tea or Coffee

There’s nothing better than pairing a warm sugar cookie with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The light sweetness complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.

2. Decorate for Special Occasions

For the holidays, top them with icing and festive sprinkles.
For birthdays, add colorful sugar crystals or drizzle them with chocolate.
For a romantic treat, shape them into hearts and dust with powdered sugar.

3. Serve with Ice Cream

Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich—a delicious and simple way to enjoy these cookies in the summer.

4. Gift-Worthy Treats

Package these cookies in a beautiful tin or a simple ribbon-tied bag for a homemade gift that anyone would love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Butter Instead of Vegetable Oil?

Yes! While vegetable oil keeps these cookies soft and moist, you can replace it with melted butter for a slightly richer flavor. Use the same amount as the oil in the recipe.

2. What’s the Difference Between Yogurt and Kefir? Can I Use Either?

Both yogurt and kefir add moisture and tenderness to the cookies. Kefir is slightly thinner and tangier, while yogurt is thicker and creamier. You can use either, but if using Greek yogurt, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it slightly.

3. How Do I Store These Cookies?

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the Refrigerator: They last up to a week, but may become firmer.
In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed bag. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Yes! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling out and shaping.

5. Why Didn’t My Cookies Spread Properly?

There are a few reasons this might happen:

Too much flour can make the dough too stiff. Try using the lower end of the flour measurement.
The baking powder might be old and inactive. Always check the expiration date!
If the dough is too cold, it may not spread properly in the oven. Let it rest at room temperature before baking.

6. Can I Add Flavor Variations?

Absolutely! Try these variations for a different twist:

Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest for a bright citrusy note.
Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ¼ tsp of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice flavor.

7. How Can I Make These Cookies Extra Chewy?

For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by removing them from the oven just as the edges turn golden. Let them finish setting on the baking sheet.

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Roll Dough Evenly for Uniform Baking

Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough evenly to about ½-inch thickness to ensure even baking.

3. Sprinkle Sugar for a Slight Crunch

A light sprinkle of sugar before baking gives the cookies a slightly crisp top while keeping the inside soft.

4. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup

Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

5. Let Cookies Cool on the Baking Sheet First

Allow cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set properly.

Conclusion – A Simple Recipe That Feels Like Home

There’s a reason why classic sugar cookies have stood the test of time. They are simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or decorated for a special event, they bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Baking these cookies isn’t just about making a dessert—it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and embracing the simple pleasures of homemade treats. So the next time you crave something sweet, skip the store-bought cookies and make these Classic Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies from scratch. You won’t regret it!