Step 1 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Set aside.
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Step 2 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Measure the granulated sugar into a small bowl. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar into a large bowl. Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together on medium speed for 1 minute, or until pale and fluffy.
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Step 4 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and continue to beat on medium speed for 30 seconds to one minute, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
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Step 5 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Add the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to the bowl. Beat the mixture on low for about 1 minute, until all ingredients are combined. Dough will be slightly crumbly in texture.
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Step 6 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Form the cookie dough into 20 balls and place on a baking sheet. Roll each cookie in the bowl of granulated sugar, and return to the sheet.
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Step 7 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Once all the cookies are coated in sugar, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. Alternatively, place dough balls on plates and transfer to baking sheets after freezing.
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Step 8 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Step 9 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Transfer the dough balls to the lined baking sheets. Place directly into the oven and bake on middle rack until cookies are just slightly golden brown on the edges and puffy on top, 12-15 minutes.
PRO TIP For dough balls approximately the size of golf balls, leave about 2 inches between dough balls for them to expand as they bake.
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Step 10 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Check to see that cookies are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 11 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes on the sheets, then transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely.
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Step 12 of 12
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
Serve. Leftover cookies may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or 5 days in the refrigerator.