Chewy Sugar Cookies are a simple homemade treat with soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and plenty of sweet buttery flavor. Made with everyday baking ingredients, these cookies have that classic sugar cookie taste while staying wonderfully soft and chewy. A little vanilla adds extra warmth, making each bite simple, comforting, and hard to resist.
These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, birthday parties, afternoon snacks, or whenever you want something sweet to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or decorated with sugar, sprinkles, or a light drizzle of icing. Whether you bake them for your family or share them with friends, Chewy Sugar Cookies are always a welcome treat.
Table of Contents
Chewy Sugar Cookies Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Optional Add-Ins
- Colorful sprinkles
- Lemon zest
- Almond extract
- White chocolate chips
- Cinnamon sugar
How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer for about 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, then mix until everything is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Make the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies less tender. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool while staying soft and chewy inside. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Every cookie has a tender center with lightly crisp edges.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners.
- Quick Baking Time: These cookies are ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or an everyday sweet treat.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this helps keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if it’s too soft or sticky to make rolling easier.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
- Roll the dough in sugar before baking for a sparkling finish and a little extra sweetness.
What to Serve with Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy, sugary cookies are soft and richly buttery, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I love serving them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and they pair wonderfully with lemonade or smoothies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add chocolate chips ?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips make delicious additions.
Can I use vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract ?
Yes. Vanilla bean adds a rich, natural vanilla flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.
Should I use parchment paper ?
Yes. Parchment paper prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup much easier.
Can I use whole wheat flour ?
Yes, but replacing only half of the all-purpose flour is recommended for the softest texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer Storage
Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes10
minutes170
kcal25
minutesSoft, buttery, and chewy sugar cookies with crisp edges and tender centers. A simple homemade treat that's perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday baking.
Ingredients
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Colorful sprinkles
Lemon zest
Almond extract
White chocolate chips
Cinnamon sugar
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven ,Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients ,In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar ,In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer for about 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, then mix until everything is smooth and fully combined.
- Step 4: Make the Cookie Dough ,Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies less tender. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Step 5: Shape and Bake ,Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Step 6: Cool and Enjoy ,Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool while staying soft and chewy inside. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- Don't overmix the dough after adding the flour.
- Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Chill sticky dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest
2 Comments
Comments are closed.