Chewy Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings smiles all around, you’ve come to the right place! These Chewy Sugar Cookies are my go-to recipe when I want to bake something special. They’re soft, buttery, and have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy night in with loved ones, these cookies never fail to impress.

I love how easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes of prep time. You won’t be standing in the kitchen for hours!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These chewy sugar cookies are sure to become a family favorite, perfect for sharing with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!
• Perfectly Sweet Flavor: With just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are truly comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Chewy Sugar Cookies is a breeze with simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar, for rolling dough in

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can tweak it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Spice: Stir in 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for an extra indulgence that everyone will love.
• Try Different Extracts: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract or lemon zest for a refreshing change.
• Make It Festive: Add colorful sprinkles before baking to make these cookies even more fun for holidays or celebrations.

How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the very softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed. Beat for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets which help make your cookies soft.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract into your butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is pale in color and fluffy—about another minute or two. This adds flavor and richness to your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those dry ingredients! Gently mix them into your wet mixture on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chewy centers!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball into a circle—this helps them spread nicely while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake them in your preheated oven for about 9-10 minutes until they are just lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack—this helps keep their shape while they finish firming up.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, it’s time to enjoy these delightful Chewy Sugar Cookies! Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Sugar Cookies

Creating the perfect chewy sugar cookies is all about attention to detail and a little love! Here are some handy tips to ensure your baking adventure turns out scrumptious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps everything blend together more smoothly, resulting in that lovely fluffy texture you crave.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy delights.

• Chill your dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time. Pull them out when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Store properly for maximum chewiness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them soft and chewy for days!

How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies

Serving these delightful chewy sugar cookies is an opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, here are some ideas to make them shine.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add some colorful sprinkles on top right before baking for a festive touch that kids and adults alike will adore.
• Drizzle of chocolate: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for an indulgent finish that complements the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! Whether it’s almond milk or oat milk, a glass alongside these cookies is sure to bring back fond childhood memories.
• Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with sugary treats, making it a perfect sidekick for cookie enjoyment.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a fruity element that balances out the sweetness of the cookies and makes for a delightful treat platter.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or dairy-free ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a deliciously creamy experience that’s hard to resist!

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy every bite of your chewy sugar cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chewy sugar cookies are not only delightful to bake but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, scoop and roll the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• If freezing baked cookies, ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container.

Reheating

• Reheat frozen cookie dough by baking directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• For baked cookies, warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until slightly warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chewy sugar cookies.

What makes chewy sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

Chewy sugar cookies have a softer texture due to higher moisture content from ingredients like softened butter and brown sugar. This recipe focuses on creating that delicious chewiness!

Can I customize chewy sugar cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture while keeping that chewy goodness.

How do I achieve the perfect chewy texture in my sugar cookies?

To get that ideal chewy texture, make sure your butter is very softened and avoid over-mixing after adding the dry ingredients. The key is to bake just until the edges are set!

How long do chewy sugar cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these chewy sugar cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these chewy sugar cookies as much as I do! There’s something incredibly special about sharing warm, soft cookies with loved ones during any season. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, these little treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!