The Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Fans
Sweet memories often swirl around these delightful chewy sugar cookies that melt in your mouth with pure comfort.
Childhood whispers dance through every soft, pillowy bite of this classic treat.
Grandma’s kitchen secrets shine through each carefully crafted morsel of sugary goodness.
Butter and sugar blend into a magical combination that promises pure delight.
Crisp edges give way to an incredibly tender center that makes people smile.
A simple recipe can unlock moments of pure joy and connection.
Let the baking adventure begin and create something truly magical for everyone to enjoy.
Variations to Personalize Your Chewy Sugar Cookies
What Drinks or Snacks Pair Well with Sugar Cookies
Proper Ways to Store Chewy Sugar Cookies Fresh
Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore soft, chewy texture.
FAQs
Overmixing the dough or overbaking can make cookies hard. Mix ingredients just until combined and remove from oven when edges are lightly golden, with centers still soft.
Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and creates a softer, chewier texture. Replace half or all white sugar with brown sugar for extra chewiness.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape. Also, ensure butter is softened but not melted.
Use a regular spoon to measure out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll into balls and coat with sugar as instructed in the original recipe.
What Makes Chewy Sugar Cookies a Timeless Favorite
Ingredients for Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies
For the Dry Ingredients:For the Wet Ingredients:For the Finishing:How to Bake the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for a perfect non-stick surface.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:Set this magical mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Create Butter Magic
In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream together softened butter and sugar.
Whip it on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and dreamy.
Step 4: Add Liquid Goodness
Toss in the egg and vanilla extract.
Mix on medium speed until the batter becomes pale and incredibly fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Worlds
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed just until everything comes together harmoniously.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Delights
Use a cookie scoop to create perfect dough balls.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar for that extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Gently press down on each ball to create a circular shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 9-10 minutes.
Once done, let the cookies chill on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Tips for Chewy Sugar Cookies That Always Work
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Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Sugar cookie lovers rejoice as these classic Chewy Sugar Cookies deliver pure comfort with crisp edges and irresistibly tender centers. Rich buttery goodness and delicate sweetness make each bite a delightful celebration of simple, homemade pleasure you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavoring and Coating:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even surface coverage.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar at high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until the batter transforms into a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, blending on low speed until just combined to prevent overmixing.
- Utilize a cookie scoop to portion the dough, then gently roll each portion into smooth spheres and coat thoroughly with granulated sugar.
- Arrange dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining a 2-inch spacing between each cookie and lightly pressing to create circular shapes.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, allowing cookies to develop golden edges while maintaining a soft center. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to complete the setting process.
Notes
- Softening butter perfectly means leaving it out at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without melting.
- Rolling dough balls in granulated sugar creates a delightful crispy exterior and adds extra sweetness to each bite.
- For gluten-free options, swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the chewy texture and flavor.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and creates thicker, more uniform cookies with a rich golden color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.