Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These chewy sugar cookies are a timeless treat that balances a soft interior with a lightly crisp edge. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and delightfully sweet with a simple vanilla flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the very softened butter and 1 cup sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed for 1-2 minutes until very light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add in the egg and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until pale in color and very fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
6. Step 6: Scoop the dough with a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, roll into balls, then roll the dough balls in the 1/4 cup sugar.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball and form into a circle as best as you can.
8. Step 8: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a tender texture.
• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different but delicious twist.
• For a festive touch, roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat cookies briefly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I make sure the cookies stay chewy?

Do not overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly undercooked; they will firm up as they cool and remain chewy.

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

These chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat featuring a soft, tender crumb and a perfectly sweet flavor. They are easy to make with common pantry ingredients and baked to a golden perfection, making them ideal for any occasion from holiday celebrations to everyday snacking.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream the very softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes pale in color and very fluffy.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together without overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender.
6. Shape the Dough: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the dough balls in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly to form a round shape for even baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, baking 6-8 cookies at a time. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is very soft but not melted to achieve a light and fluffy cookie texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
• Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch and sparkle on the outside.
• Space cookies at least 2 inches apart to prevent spreading and sticking together.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Keywords: chewy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe, baked cookies