Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sometimes, you want a rich, decadent crème brûlée with a top torched to perfectly caramelized deliciousness. Sometimes you want a multi-layer cake. Some days call for dark chocolate ganache tart.

And then at other times you just want the simple delights of a plate of cookies. On those days, it's hard to beat a sugar cookie, especially one that's softer and chewier than you might be used to, thanks to this recipe from chef, recipe developer, and registered dietician Kristen Carli of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness. These sugar cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth like only a classic comfort food can.

Another thing that sweetens the situation here? These cookies really could not be much easier to make. Provided you follow Carli's recipe closely, she says there are really "no mistakes to watch out for."

And as for a great way to enjoy these cookies, just keep it classic there, too. Carli says: "I love these paired with a big glass of milk." When perfection has already been achieved, why look for anything else, right?

Need even more good news beyond the fact that these cookies are delicious and quite easy to make? Alright then: it's quite likely that you have everything you need to make them in your kitchen already.

The recipe calls for flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter (make sure it is softened), sugar, some brown sugar, an egg, and some vanilla extract. See? No trip to the grocery store needed — the pantry should serve just fine.

Start the prep off by preheating your oven to that magic number for so many baked goods, 350 F. Next, spray three large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper or reusable silicone baking mats.

Then, in a large bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and whisk well (or stir with a fork) to combine all of the dry ingredients evenly.

In the bowl of stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if you are using a hand mixer), add the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Now, using the paddle attachment (or, again, a hand mixer if needed), mix these sweet ingredients until they combine and then grow light and fluffy.

Now add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until they have combined. Next, pour the dry ingredients into the stand mixer's bowl and keep it mixing until they have combined.

Roll the cookie dough into many small balls using between 1 and 2 tablespoons of the stuff for each, then place these dough balls out on greased baking sheets spaced apart evenly — as they bake, the cookies will be quite a bit broader (and flatter) than the dough balls.

Now pop the baking sheets into the warmed oven and bake your cookies for 10 minutes. And then enjoy!

"These will stay soft in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature for up to six days," Carli says. And if you love sugar cookies but not necessarily soft sugar cookies, no problem. "If you bake them a little longer, 12 or 15 minutes, these will be crispy," she adds.