Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that hits the perfect balance between tender and delightfully chewy, look no further. This Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a game-changer. These cookies boast a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center with just enough bite to satisfy every craving, all while keeping things classic and simple. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual snack, or a festive gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few “seconds” requests from your friends and family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Holding on to a handful of pantry staples means you’re only moments away from cookie bliss. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that iconic chewy texture and sweet vanilla flavor that these sugar cookies are known for.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened: Butter adds richness and keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling: Sugar sweetens and creates a delightful sugary crust when rolled on the dough balls.
- 1 large egg at room temperature: The egg binds everything together and helps with that chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise just enough without losing their chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: A little magic that gives the cookies their signature soft chew and slight tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is key to introducing air for the perfect cookie lift and chew.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This creates a smooth, fragrant base ready to embrace the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This dry mix evenly distributes leavening and seasoning to ensure consistent taste and texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make cookies tough instead of chewy.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll each into a ball, then lightly coat them in extra granulated sugar. This step gives your cookies that irresistible crunchy sugar exterior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly underbaked. This subtle underbaking guarantees that signature chewy softness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set without becoming hard.
How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some colored sugar or edible glitter on the cookie dough balls before baking for a festive sparkle. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add a pinch of cinnamon sugar after baking to elevate the flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a lightly spiced chai latte. The comforting beverages highlight the cookies’ sweet, vanilla notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a tall jar tied with a ribbon as a heartfelt gift, or arrange them creatively on a platter garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for a vibrant dessert display that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them easy to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by rolling them in sugar and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen adding an extra minute or two. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers wrapped in parchment to preserve freshness.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to revive their soft, chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.
Why do these cookies stay chewy instead of crispy?
The combination of cream of tartar and baking soda helps create a tender crumb, while baking just until centers are slightly underbaked locks in that beautiful chewiness.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of almond extract, some citrus zest, or mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to customize your chewy sugar cookies to suit your mood.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If spreading is an issue, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping. This firms up the fat and helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing baked or unbaked?
Both! You can freeze the dough balls or the fully baked cookies. Just thaw baked cookies at room temperature and reheat gently for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, nostalgic taste of freshly baked chewy sugar cookies, and this recipe delivers them every single time. I hope you feel inspired to try this Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe and share it with loved ones to create your own sweet memories. Baking these cookies is truly a joy, and the results are irresistibly delicious.
Print
Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft with a tender crumb and a sweet, buttery flavor. Perfectly balanced with a slight crisp on the edges and chewy centers, they make a classic treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth, homogenous mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness in the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each portion into a ball. Then roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for an added sweet, crackly coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading without merging.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies as this will reduce their chewy texture; the centers should appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven.
- If you are concerned about the cookies spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Room temperature egg helps achieve a smoother dough and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
