Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chewy sugar cookies are a classic treat that perfectly balance softness and sweetness. With a tender texture and a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies are easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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 extract
• 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 powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the very softened butter and 1 cup sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll into balls. Then roll each dough ball in the 1/4 cup sugar reserved for coating.
7. Step 7: Place the sugar-coated dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball and shape it into a circle.
8. Step 8: Bake 6 to 8 cookies at a time for 9 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
• Substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like chewiness.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—this helps maintain moisture. Reheat cookies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but skip adding any extra salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

How do I make the cookies crispier?

Bake the cookies slightly longer, around 11 to 12 minutes, and let them cool completely. You can also replace some butter with shortening to increase crispness.

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

These Chewy Sugar Cookies feature a soft and tender texture with a perfectly balanced sweetness. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla, they’re rolled in sugar before baking to add a delightful slight crunch on the outside while staying chewy inside. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and deliver a classic flavor everyone loves.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 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 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside for use later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the very softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together on high speed for 1-2 minutes. Beat until the mixture becomes very light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for a tender cookie.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until pale in color and fluffy to incorporate air into the dough.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together; avoid over mixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll each dough ball in the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat thoroughly.
7. Arrange Dough on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball and shape into circles as evenly as possible to ensure even baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake 6 to 8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes in the preheated oven. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center when done.
9. Cool Cookies: Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is very softened but not melted to get the best creaming results.
• For consistent cookie sizes and baking, use a cookie scoop to portion out dough.
• Rolling dough balls in sugar before baking adds a slightly crunchy exterior texture.
• Don’t over bake; remove cookies as soon as edges are set and centers are still soft.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

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