Name: Chewy Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies. The allure of Chewy Sugar Cookies is undeniable; with each bite, you’re greeted by a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The golden edges contrast beautifully with the soft centers, making them not just a treat for your taste buds but a delight for your eyes as well. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, these cookies are ideal for any occasion, making them a beloved staple for families everywhere. So grab your apron and get ready to create a batch of joy—these cookies are sure to become a household favorite!

A Closer Look at Chewy Sugar Cookies

Chewy Sugar Cookies have a delightful history, tracing back to centuries of baking traditions that have evolved into the recipes we treasure today. Originating in the United States, these cookies promise a nostalgic taste of home. Unlike their crisp and crunchy counterparts, the chewy variety brings a unique softness that has made them a go-to dessert for countless families. They often make an appearance at holiday parties, school functions, and casual get-togethers, where they are happily shared among friends and loved ones.

What really sets these cookies apart is their ability to hold onto moisture, thanks to the right combination of ingredients, creating that sought-after chewy texture. When you take a bite, the gentle sweetness of the cookie dances on your tongue, complemented by the buttery richness that lingers pleasantly afterward. These cookies are not just treats; they evoke childhood memories and joyful gatherings every time they are served.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe

There are several reasons why this Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your family’s baking repertoire.

Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward procedures, even beginners will find this recipe approachable.
Flavor Complexity: The combination of butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved: These cookies are a surefire hit among kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family baking sessions or gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Chances are, you’ll have most of these ingredients on hand, making it not only an easy recipe but also a cost-effective one.
Ingredient Flexibility: The simplicity of the ingredients allows for easy modifications, meaning you can experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts as desired.

Let’s Cook Chewy Sugar Cookies!

Creating your very own Chewy Sugar Cookies is a delightful and rewarding experience. With just a few tools and around 30 minutes of prep and baking time, you’ll be on your way to enjoying scrumptious cookies fresh from the oven. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and an oven set at the perfect temperature to achieve cookie perfection.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This will help the cookies rise slightly while retaining their chewy center.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: The main sweetener that defines these cookies; you can substitute some with brown sugar for added moisture.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and enriches the flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A key flavor that brings warmth and depth to the cookies.

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully, resulting in that ideal chewy texture.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agent and ensuring a consistent texture in your cookies.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This addition will further enhance the sweetness and create that wonderfully chewy texture we all love.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, mixing just until no flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough!
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should feel that soft, slightly sticky dough as you work—this is the key to that chewy texture.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, while the centers may still look a bit soft. This is crucial—let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Delicious Pairings for Chewy Sugar Cookies

Chewy Sugar Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. They’re lovely on their own, but if you want to elevate your experience even further, consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk to enhance that nostalgic flavor reminiscent of childhood treats.

Other great pairings include:

Coffee or Tea: The mild sweetness of the cookies beautifully balances the bitter notes of coffee or the delicate flavors of tea.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slip a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress!
Fruit Compote: A spoonful of warm strawberry or raspberry compote can complement the sweetness while adding a burst of fruity freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies

Baking is as much an art as it is a science, and certain techniques can help elevate your cookies even more.

Keep Butter Softened: Softened butter allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a fluffier texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
Chill Your Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and promotes a thicker cookie.
Avoid Overbaking: Slightly underbake to maintain that chewy texture. Remember, cookies will continue to bake on the tray after being removed from the oven.
Use Quality Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides a richer flavor compared to imitation varieties. It elevates your cookie’s taste significantly.
Store Cookies Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.

Variations & Add-Ins

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few suggestions to give your Chewy Sugar Cookies a fun twist:

Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough provides a refreshing brightness.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet addition.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Roll dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Chewy Sugar Cookies fresh and delightful over the following days, proper storage is key. Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them—layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months.

When you’re ready to indulge again, reheating is a breeze! Simply pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that soft and chewy texture. If frozen, allow the cookies to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the dough in cookie-sized scoops and bake them directly from the freezer when the craving strikes.

Can I substitute the sugar?
Yes! You can replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor and added moisture. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the texture.

What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is overly sticky, it may need a little more flour. Add a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Of course! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk as a replacement for cow’s milk in pairings.

In conclusion, making Chewy Sugar Cookies is a heartwarming activity that not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also brings together family and friends. The soft, chewy texture combined with the sweet, buttery flavor is truly irresistible. So how about trying this recipe tonight? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Happy baking!

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

Delight in the soft, pillowy texture of these Chewy Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth with each bite.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 12
Total Time: 27
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, mixing until no flour is visible.
Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are soft. Let rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.