If you’re craving a truly delightful treat that combines a soft, chewy texture with a sweet, buttery flavor, you’ve found your match. This Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is my absolute favorite for making soft cookies that remain wonderfully tender with every bite, yet hold their shape perfectly. These cookies are a nostalgic classic, bursting with vanilla aroma and just the right touch of sugary crunch on the outside. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual afternoon snack, or a simple way to brighten your day, these sugar cookies have an irresistible charm that will make you keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of chewiness, flavor, and texture in your cookies. From the leavening agents that help create soft edges to the granulated sugar that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, every element is key.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your cookies while keeping them tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread slightly and adds a gentle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Contributes to the fluffy texture without making the cookies cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich, creamy moisture and adds to the chewy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and aids in creating that signature outer crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and keeps cookies soft inside.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkly, crisp coating that contrasts the chewy center.
How to Make Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly with a gorgeous bottom crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential because evenly mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your cookies rise and spread just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process traps air in the dough, which adds lightness and contributes to the chewy texture everyone loves in these Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and flavor that are crucial for tender, flavorful cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough instead of perfectly chewy.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Then roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat, which gives the cookies their signature crystalline crunch on the outside.
Step 7: Space the Cookies on Baking Sheets
Place your sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully so that the edges are set, but the centers remain slightly underbaked. This ensures the delightful chewiness that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them firm up without losing their soft, chewy center.
How to Serve Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are beautifully simple on their own, adding a sprinkle of colored sugar, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their appearance and add an exciting layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of fragrant tea, or rich coffee to balance the sweetness perfectly. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by sandwiching two cookies with your favorite frosting or jam for a delightful twist. You could also use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking for themed occasions or decorate the tops with royal icing for festive celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sugar cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain their softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. Freeze dough balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough by adding a minute or two to the regular bake time. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers too, keeping fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to soften them if they’ve hardened. Alternatively, a quick reheat in a low oven for a few minutes can help refresh their chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Why are my sugar cookies not chewy?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Be sure to remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underbaked, which preserves that perfect chewiness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles can be gently folded into the dough to add texture and flavor variations.
Is it okay to use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Using brown sugar increases moisture and can make cookies softer and chewier, but it will also add a slight caramel flavor. Feel free to experiment if you like!
How do I make the cookies thicker?
Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading, resulting in thicker cookies. Alternatively, use slightly less butter or add a bit more flour for a sturdier dough.
Final Thoughts
This Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe has been my go-to whenever I want a warm, comforting homemade cookie that delivers the perfect chewy texture with every bite. It’s straightforward enough for even novice bakers but yields results so good you’ll want to keep the recipe close forever. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire, making every day just a little sweeter.
