Chewy Sugar Cookies

Name: Chewy Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/3 cups white sugar; 1/3 cup for rolling; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

These chewy sugar cookies are everything you want in a homemade treat—soft, buttery, and full of nostalgic sweetness. With crispy edges and a soft, tender center, they fill your home with an irresistible aroma that instantly reminds you of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. Perfectly delightful for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a festive gathering, or simply indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

With their subtle sweetness enhanced by the richness of butter and a touch of vanilla, each bite is a comforting embrace. The addition of cornstarch in the dough creates that perfect chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp sugar coating. These cookies are simple to make yet impressively delicious. Gather your loved ones and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful chewy sugar cookies.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps create a chewy texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise properly.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
1 1/3 cups white sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the texture.
1/3 cup for rolling: Coats the cookies for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, and mix until everything is smooth.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each, then roll them in the remaining sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until just set on top. The cookies may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 130 calories per cookie

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened to achieve the perfect texture. Measure your flour correctly to avoid dense cookies.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations: Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist or mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic.

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
What makes sugar cookies chewy?
The combination of butter, egg yolk, and cornstarch helps create a chewy texture.
How can I make the cookies thicker?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Can I add other extracts?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other extracts, like lemon or coconut, to change the flavor.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Using warm butter or not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted.

Conclusion

These chewy sugar cookies are wonderfully simple yet luxuriously satisfying. They make for perfect treats that will surely delight friends and family alike. Try making this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with others. Your kitchen deserves this cozy, sweet aroma. Happy baking!

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

These chewy sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and full of nostalgic sweetness, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 cups white sugar
1/3 cup for rolling
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture; mix until smooth.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing gently until fully combined.
Roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each, and roll them in the remaining sugar. Place on prepared cookie sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until just set on top. Allow cooling on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.