One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
Tender, chewy sugar cookies made effortlessly in one bowl, perfect for a quick sweet treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 22 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g), softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Add 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Crack 1 large egg into the bowl along with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp milk. Beat again on medium speed until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
- Step 5: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly puffy.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Bowl Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
