Print

Chewy Sugar Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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