Name: Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup granulated sugar

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If you’re looking for the perfect treat that beautifully balances soft, buttery centers with the classic kiss of sweetness, my Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is pure bliss in every bite. These cookies are a tribute to everything nostalgic: tender edges, melt-in-your-mouth middles, and a ribbon of crunchy sugar on top. They’re simple to make yet seriously impressive, and once you try a warm one fresh from the oven, you’ll understand why this has been my go-to recipe for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or just because.

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something magical. Each ingredient plays a part: some bring rich flavor, others create that irresistible chew, and the last touch is all about sparkle.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and light at the center.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies spread just enough for chewy edges.
Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift to the dough, making every bite tender.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich flavor and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds a delightful crunch when rolled on the outside.
Large egg: Binds all the ingredients and gives each cookie its fudgy interior.
Vanilla extract: Perfumes the cookies with warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Provides that signature, sparkling crust once baked.

How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures the cookies won’t stick and also helps with even baking, so every batch comes out perfectly golden and chewy.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking not only combines everything evenly, but also adds air, making for lighter dough that still holds its chewy bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream your softened butter and 1½ cups of sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume. This step is key for that iconic chewy texture, so don’t rush it—two to three minutes should do the trick!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and add the vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is combined. This is where that signature sugar cookie aroma starts to fill the kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Switch to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms—avoid over-mixing, as this will keep your cookies nice and tender with the perfect amount of chew.

Step 6: Shape and Roll

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. Next, roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar until coated all over. This gives your cookies their signature sparkly, slightly crunchy coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place each sugared dough ball about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookie edges are just set and the centers still look a little underbaked. This is the secret to creating the ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe—soft middles with barely-there golden edges.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set up just right, keeping the centers wonderfully chewy.

How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are stunning in their simplicity, but for a special touch, try a sprinkle of colored sugar before baking or a drizzle of melted white chocolate after they cool. A pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies also adds an irresistible contrast.

Side Dishes

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe pairs beautifully with cold milk, a mug of hot chocolate, or strong coffee. If you’re creating a dessert board, try serving them alongside fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or other classic cookies for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a glass jar tied with ribbon for a lovely homemade gift, layer them between sheets of parchment in a tin for festive sharing, or arrange them in a circle with a bowl of fruit dip or mascarpone cream in the center for a party platter that invites everyone to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy—just be sure to keep them away from air, which can dry them out.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls (after rolling in sugar) and the baked cookies. Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; just layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To recreate that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds. If you’re reheating from frozen, let the cookies come to room temperature, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes to revive their irresistible chewiness.

FAQs

Why are my sugar cookies coming out cakey instead of chewy?

Too much flour or over-mixing the dough can lead to cakey cookies. For the ideal Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe, measure your flour precisely and mix just until combined for that signature soft, chewy bite.

Can I add other flavors to this Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Try adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract or swapping some vanilla for lemon or orange zest. You can also fold in rainbow sprinkles for a playful twist.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

For best results, remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just set but the centers still look a bit underbaked. They’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet and develop that perfect chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. If it’s too firm to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.

What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?

For even, bakery-style cookies, roll the dough into smooth balls and space them evenly. If needed, you can gently nudge the edges with a spoon right after baking while they’re still warm.

Final Thoughts

If homemade cookies make your day a little brighter, you simply have to try my Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends, gifting them for the holidays, or sneaking one after midnight, these cookies hit that sweet spot of comfort and flavor every single time. Happy baking!

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Chewy Sugar Cookies that are soft and sweet, perfect for any occasion. These classic cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Rolling:

¼ cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and 1½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar.
Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until set but slightly underbaked.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.