There’s something truly magical about a perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth Chewy Sugar Cookie. For me, these aren’t just cookies; they’re edible memories. I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, her hands dusted with flour, the warm scent of vanilla and butter filling every corner. She had a handwritten recipe card, faded with age and splattered with dough, for what she simply called 'her special sugar cookies'. As a child, I’d perch on a stool, watching intently as she creamed butter and sugar, the mixer humming a lullaby. The best part? Rolling the dough in extra sugar, the crystals glistening like tiny diamonds, before they went into the oven. That first bite of a warm cookie, slightly crisp at the edges but wonderfully soft and chewy in the middle, was pure bliss. It’s a feeling I’ve chased ever since, and after years of experimenting, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that captures that nostalgic magic perfectly. This isn't just a recipe; it's a piece of my heart, ready to be shared with yours.
Why This Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try
- Unbeatable Texture: Forget brittle, dry sugar cookies. Our recipe delivers a gloriously soft, chewy center with just the right amount of crispness around the edges, making every bite a delight. This is the hallmark of truly perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry right now! Basic pantry staples come together to create a rich, buttery, vanilla-infused flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want to roll them in colored sugar for holidays, drizzle them with glaze, or simply enjoy them plain, these Chewy Sugar Cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity.
- Foolproof & Fun: This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious, making it a joy to bake and share.
Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies
While the beauty of these Chewy Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity, a few key ingredients deserve a moment in the spotlight. Understanding their role can elevate your baking from good to absolutely glorious.
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
This is the foundation of our cookies, and its temperature is crucial. Room temperature butter (soft enough to indent with a finger, but not melted) creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base. This aeration is key to the chewy texture. If your butter is too cold, it won't cream properly; if it's too warm, your cookies might spread too much. Plan ahead and let it sit out for an hour or two!
Granulated Sugar
Beyond sweetness, sugar plays a vital role in texture. When creamed with butter, it helps create those tiny air pockets. During baking, it caramelizes, contributing to the golden-brown edges and a slight crispness that beautifully contrasts the chewy interior. Rolling the dough in extra sugar before baking adds an extra layer of sparkle and a delightful crunch. These Chewy Sugar Cookies truly benefit from that sugar coating.
Large Eggs (Room Temperature)
Just like butter, room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough. Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness to the Chewy Sugar Cookies, contributing significantly to their soft and chewy consistency. They bind everything together, preventing a crumbly cookie.
Vanilla Extract
Ah, vanilla! The soul of any great sugar cookie. Use a good quality pure vanilla extract here; it makes a world of difference. It enhances the buttery flavor and adds that classic, comforting aroma that defines Chewy Sugar Cookies. Don't skimp!
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips for Chewy Sugar Cookies
Get ready to bake the best Chewy Sugar Cookies of your life! Follow these steps closely, along with my pro tips, for guaranteed success.
- Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This step is critical for incorporating air, which makes the Chewy Sugar Cookies light and soft.
- Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. The cream of tartar is a secret weapon here; it helps create that signature chewy texture and gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough Chewy Sugar Cookies. The dough will be soft.
- Step 5: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and deepens the flavors.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place about 1/2 cup of extra granulated sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
- Step 7: Scoop generous tablespoons of chilled dough and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. These will be your glorious Chewy Sugar Cookies!
- Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft and puffy. The cookies will firm up as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of a chewy cookie! For another chewy favorite, try our The Most Deliciously Chewy Gingerbread Cookies You'll Ever Make.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the Chewy Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature. For longer storage, consider using Basics Glass Food Storage containers to keep them fresh.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
These Chewy Sugar Cookies are fantastic on their own, but they're also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Before baking, press festive sprinkles onto the sugar-coated dough balls for a holiday-themed treat. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween!
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough in Step 2 for a bright, zesty flavor. This adds a lovely dimension to your Chewy Sugar Cookies.
- Almond Extract: Swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract for a delicious, nutty twist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Once completely cooled, frost your Chewy Sugar Cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Fill two cooled cookies with your favorite buttercream or even a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simpler, elegant finish, dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar instead of rolling them in granulated sugar before baking.
- Pair with a Drink: Enjoy these Chewy Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm mug of coffee, or a comforting cup of tea. For another comforting bake, don't miss our The Ultimate Moist Banana Bread Recipe: A Family Favorite.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 22g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Conclusion
There you have it – my cherished recipe for Chewy Sugar Cookies, designed to bring as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're an invitation to slow down, create, and share delicious moments with the people you love. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a quiet afternoon snack, or simply because the craving for a perfect Chewy Sugar Cookie strikes, this recipe will not disappoint. Get baking, and prepare to fall in love with the ultimate chewy sugar cookie!
FAQs
How do I make my sugar cookies chewy and not crispy?
To achieve chewy sugar cookies, several factors are key: use room temperature butter and eggs, don't overmix the dough, chill the dough before baking, and most importantly, do not overbake. The cookies should still look slightly soft and puffy in the center when you remove them from the oven; they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make chewy sugar cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and baking as usual. This makes preparing Chewy Sugar Cookies super convenient!
What's the best way to store chewy sugar cookies?
Once completely cooled, store your chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their chewiness, you can even place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
Can I freeze these chewy sugar cookies?
Yes, these chewy sugar cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies
A classic recipe for deliciously soft and chewy sugar cookies with slightly crisp edges, perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to bring smiles.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
Step 5: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling helps prevent spreading.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place about 1/2 cup of extra granulated sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
Step 7: Scoop generous tablespoons of chilled dough and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft and puffy. Do not overbake. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Do not overbake; the cookies should still look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven for maximum chewiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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