Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you have been searching for a crowd-pleaser that hits the perfect balance between soft and delightfully chewy, your quest ends here. This Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create cookies that are tender on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these sugar cookies never fail to impress with their buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in creating the ideal chewiness, sweetness, and structure for your cookies. Each one works in harmony to deliver that signature soft bite and golden color.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies and ensures the perfect chew.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough for a tender texture.
- Baking powder: Adds gentle lift for a light, soft crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting flavor.
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies a beautiful sparkling coating and a slight crunch.
How to Make Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in even baking. Then, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend of dry ingredients forms the foundation for your soft, chewy cookies, so mix them evenly before setting aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your cookies will have a tender crumb with a slight lift.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture and acts as a binder, while the vanilla brings out a classic sweetness and depth of flavor that’s unmistakable in the best chewy sugar cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overworking the dough can result in tougher cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, generously coat each ball in the extra granulated sugar. This step is what gives your cookies that iconic sparkle and a slight crispiness on the outside, creating a perfect contrast with their chewy centers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still appear a little underbaked. This subtle underbaking is the secret to achieving that chewy middle everyone loves.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the cookies firm up just enough to hold their shape while staying incredibly tender inside.
How to Serve Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are irresistible on their own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate the flavors beautifully. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add colorful sugar crystals before baking for a festive touch that brightens up any gathering.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a soothing cup of tea, or a rich hot chocolate for an indulgent snack time. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Sandwich your Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe with swirls of buttercream frosting, cream cheese filling, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For parties, arrange them in colorful tins or stack them with parchment paper layers, tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your chewy sugar cookies will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out and helps maintain their soft texture, especially when layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies anytime, they freeze beautifully. Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ensuring a quick treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible chewiness, gently warm chilled or frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This little heat boost refreshes their soft texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but since salted butter adds extra salt, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting your cookies.
How do I make the cookies more chewy?
To enhance chewiness, be sure not to overbake the cookies. Slightly underbaking them and using an extra egg yolk or a little brown sugar can also increase moisture and chew.
Can I add flavor variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon can give your sugar cookies a unique twist while keeping that beloved chewy texture.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or you use too much butter. Chill the dough before baking or slightly reduce the butter for a thicker cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls after rolling and coating them with sugar. Bake frozen dough directly, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Baking the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is like welcoming a warm hug into your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe that invites joy and nostalgia with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the perfect balance of soft, tender chewiness that these cookies deliver. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These best chewy sugar cookies are a delightful treat with a soft and tender center complemented by slightly crisp edges. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and a sugary coating, they’re ideal for any occasion and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which adds air for softness.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mix until fully incorporated, enriching the dough with moisture and flavor.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create a sweet, crispy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow cookies to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a subtle crunch and extra sweetness to the cookie exterior.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
