Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

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

  • Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly option that maintains the original chewy texture.
  • Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose vegan sugar to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
  • Almond-Infused Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract alongside vanilla for a nutty undertone, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce granulated sugar by half and substitute with monk fruit sweetener, creating a lower-calorie cookie with similar sweetness and texture.

What Drinks or Snacks Pair Well with Sugar Cookies

  • Pair Sweet Milk with Cookies: Classic whole milk creates a perfect, creamy companion to these chewy sugar cookies, balancing the sweetness and providing a smooth texture.
  • Complement with Vanilla Latte: A warm vanilla latte's rich espresso and smooth milk harmonize beautifully with the cookie's sweet, buttery flavor, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
  • Match with Cinnamon Tea: Delicate cinnamon tea offers a subtle spice that beautifully complements the cookie's sugary profile, creating a delightful warming sensation with each bite.
  • Serve with Chamomile Honey: Soft, floral chamomile tea drizzled with honey provides a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the cookie's sweet crunch, creating a relaxing dessert moment.

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

  • Why are my cookies not chewy?

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.

  • Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and creates a softer, chewier texture. Replace half or all white sugar with brown sugar for extra chewiness.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape. Also, ensure butter is softened but not melted.

  • What if I don't have a cookie scoop?

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

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These sugar cookies win hearts with their perfectly chewy texture and classic sweet flavor that appeals to all ages.
  • Master Simple Baking Technique: Beginners can confidently create professional-looking cookies using basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing steps.
  • Quick Kitchen Victory: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make these cookies a fast solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap sugar coatings, add sprinkles, or experiment with different extracts to personalize these versatile sugar cookies for any celebration.

Ingredients for Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie's structure and texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, chewy texture in the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the sugar cookies.
For the Finishing:
  • Granulated Sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough balls to create a sweet, sparkling exterior.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Bake the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies

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:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

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

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance the chewy texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a consistent cookie consistency.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and prevent a tough texture.
  • Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to get the right amount.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy quality.
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Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even surface coverage.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. 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.
  4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until the batter transforms into a smooth, fluffy consistency.
  5. Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, blending on low speed until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Utilize a cookie scoop to portion the dough, then gently roll each portion into smooth spheres and coat thoroughly with granulated sugar.
  7. Arrange dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining a 2-inch spacing between each cookie and lightly pressing to create circular shapes.
  8. 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

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)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

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.

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