If you have a sweet tooth and crave that perfect balance between soft, chewy, and buttery, look no further than the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies have a delightful texture that stays tender bite after bite, delivering a nostalgic treat that feels homemade and absolutely irresistible. Whether you want a classic dessert for your next gathering or a warm snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe will soon become your go-to comfort cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients create cookies that not only bake to a golden perfection but also bring out the ideal texture and flavor. Each addition plays a big role in getting you that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of lift without making the cookies cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the desirable chewy bite.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a comforting, classic flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sparkly, sweet crust that’s just as delightful as the inside.
How to Make Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is key because it ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, contributing to the cookie’s perfect rise and flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together. This step is where magic begins—the butter and sugar aerate, making the dough light which ultimately results in that coveted chewy texture that holds up even after baking.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg adds moisture while vanilla brings warmth and complexity to each bite. Once mixed, your dough begins to build its delicious identity.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Being gentle here is important to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tougher cookies instead of chewy ones. You want to keep the dough soft and tender.
Step 5: Form, Roll, and Coat Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, creating a sparkling, crispy edge after baking that contrasts beautifully with the chewy center.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underbaked—this trick keeps the cookies chewy and soft rather than crispy or dry.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the cookies firm up without losing their softness inside, ensuring every bite is pure chewy delight.
How to Serve Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a hint of coarse sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a subtle sparkle and extra touch of sweetness. Adding a thin drizzle of melted chocolate or a splash of colored icing can make these cookies festive and fun without overpowering the chewy texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. The creamy drinks complement the cookies’ sweet richness and make for an undeniably satisfying snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a charming platter or a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings. For parties, stack them pyramid-style or layer them between parchment paper inside a decorative tin. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a swipe of frosting or jam to add an extra burst of flavor and creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking and preserve that perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze raw cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time for a fresh batch. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them briefly in a preheated oven. This refreshes their softness and reactivates their delightful chewiness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar will change the texture, often making the cookies more tender and cakey rather than chewy. For the best chewy sugar cookies recipe, granulated sugar is recommended to achieve that classic texture.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of softened butter, proper mixing, and slightly underbaking the edges while keeping the centers soft creates the wonderfully chewy texture that defines this recipe.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential here for flavor and texture. Using margarine or oil will alter the cookie’s taste and chewiness, often resulting in a less rich and more greasy cookie.
Why should I not overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough and less tender. Mixing just until combined keeps the dough soft, which is crucial for chewiness.
How do I store cookies to maintain their chewiness?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside to retain moisture. This simple tip helps keep them chewy for days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into a fresh, soft, and chewy sugar cookie, and the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers just that. It’s a wonderful recipe that’s easy to follow, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some seriously chewy sweetness!
Print
Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Chewy Sugar Cookies are a classic treat featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are great for any occasion and loved by all ages.
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 line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie chewiness.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Then, coat each dough ball in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to add a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still appear slightly underbaked to achieve a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set properly without breaking.
Notes
- For softer cookies, ensure not to overbake; remove as soon as edges set.
- Butter should be properly softened, but not melted, for best texture.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading if needed.
