Name: Chewy Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Every Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Spoon and level for accuracy); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (No direct substitutes recommended); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (No direct substitutes recommended); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or table salt recommended); 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (Can swap with coconut sugar); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Ensure very soft for easier creaming); 1 medium Egg (Use room temperature); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best taste); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Can use colored sugar for a festive look)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies takes me back to childhood, where cozy kitchens were filled with laughter and love. These Chewy Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to recreate that warm feeling during the holiday season. With their delightfully soft and buttery texture, they strike the ideal balance between a slightly underbaked center and a perfectly crisp edge. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also make for a delightful holiday treat that will have family and friends reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try these chewy gems, they’ll become your go-to recipe for Christmas celebrations. Are you ready to fill your home with some sweet nostalgia?

Why Are These Cookies So Chewy?

Chewy Perfection: The secret to achieving that irresistible chewiness lies in slightly underbaking these cookies, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Easy to Make: Just a handful of common ingredients transforms into a holiday favorite, perfect for bakers of any skill level.

Endless Variations: Want to switch it up? Try adding chocolate chips for a classic twist or sprinkle in some cinnamon for a festive kick!

Crowd Favorite: These cookies are guaranteed to impress! Whether at parties or family gatherings, they’ll quickly disappear, making you the star baker.

Memory Maker: Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with delightful scents, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of childhood holidays—who wouldn’t love that?

Pair them with a warm glass of milk or try them alongside Gooey Butter Cookies for an unforgettable dessert spread!

Chewy Sugar Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cookie; spoon and level for accuracy for perfect chewy sugar cookies.
Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a thicker texture; no direct substitutes recommended.
Baking Soda – Adds to the chewiness and aids in browning; no direct substitutes recommended.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; use kosher or table salt for best results.
Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens and contributes to the chewy texture; can swap with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it is very soft for easier creaming.
Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; use room temperature egg for optimal mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor depth to the cookie; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.

For Rolling the Cookies

Granulated Sugar (for rolling) – Adds a sweet crust on the exterior; can use colored sugar for a festive look.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for your cookies. This initial preparation sets the stage for your scrumptious chewy sugar cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and maintain their delightful texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside, ready to combine with the wet ingredients in the next step, ensuring a perfect balance in your chewy sugar cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which indicates that enough air has been incorporated. This creates the foundation for the buttery richness of your chewy sugar cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing for another 1 to 2 minutes until the batter appears pale and fluffy, enhancing the flavor and texture of your cookies. This step adds moisture and richness, which are key to achieving that delightful chewiness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients to blend without developing excess gluten, which could result in a less chewy texture. This is where your chewy sugar cookies start to take shape!

Step 6: Form Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each piece into a ball. Once rolled, generously coat each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the lined baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. This step not only adds sweetness but creates a beautiful finish for your chewy sugar cookies.

Step 7: Bake
Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass and carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges appear set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This slight underbaking is key to achieving that chewy texture that your friends and family will love.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up without losing their signature chewiness. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful chewy sugar cookies fresh from the oven!

Expert Tips for Chewy Sugar Cookies

Butter Softness: Make sure your unsalted butter is very soft before creaming to achieve that ideal buttery texture in your chewy sugar cookies.
Weigh Flour: For accuracy, weigh your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag, which helps avoid dense cookies.
Underbake for Chewiness: Don’t be tempted to overbake! Slightly underbaked centers are crucial for that delicious chewy texture.
Form Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for even sizing; this ensures consistent baking and uniform chewiness across all your cookies.
Adjusting Sticky Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, check your butter’s softness and flour measurement to maintain the perfect consistency for your chewy sugar cookies.

What to Serve with Chewy Sugar Cookies

These delightful treats are perfect companions for building a warm, cozy holiday spread that everyone will love.

Warm Milk: This classic pairing enhances the buttery flavors, creating a comforting treat that will evoke nostalgia and joy.
Hot Cocoa: Rich and chocolatey, it perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight adds a luscious contrast to the chewy texture, elevating your dessert experience.
Gooey Butter Cookies: Serve alongside for an exciting assortment; the gooey texture contrasts wonderfully with your chewy cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a cookie platter, add these for variety; their gooey chocolate complements the chewiness of your sugar cookies perfectly.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart burst balances the sweetness and adds a festive touch that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ buttery warmth.
Seasonal Fruit Salad: Fresh, juicy fruits introduce a refreshing element, making your dessert table feel bright and festive.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices enhance the cookies’ sweetness and create a comforting drink that feels cozy in every sip.
Eggnog: A festive favorite that pairs deliciously, bringing a creamy, spiced richness to the melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.
Nutty Coffee: The earthy tones of coffee complement the buttery sweetness, giving you a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping the dough balls. Once formed, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just make sure to individually wrap each ball before placing them in a ziplock bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the cookies straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy these delightful chewy sugar cookies with minimal effort!

Chewy Sugar Cookies: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to add your own twist to these chewy sugar cookies, elevating them to new flavor heights that will impress your loved ones.

Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in a cup of chocolate chips for a classic chewy chocolate chip sugar cookie everyone will love. The delightful combination of buttery sweetness with luscious melted chocolate is simply irresistible!
Spice Variants: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist perfect for the holiday season. The warm spices infuse the cookies with a festive aroma that will make your home feel like a winter wonderland.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to adjust the baking time for best results!
Coconut Sugar: Substitute granulated white sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor profile. This swap not only adds a hint of tropical sweetness but also lowers the glycemic index.
Almond Extract: For a subtle nutty note, swap out vanilla extract with almond extract. This twist gives the cookies an unexpected flavor depth that pairs beautifully with the overall sweetness.
Colored Sugar Coating: Instead of plain granulated sugar, use colored sugar for rolling the cookies before baking. This cheerful touch adds a festive flair, making your cookies stand out on the holiday dessert table!
Oatmeal Add-In: Mix in some quick oats for added texture and a healthier twist. The oats provide a chewy bite that complements the sweetness of the cookie, creating a delightful contrast.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. The nutty goodness enriches the overall experience, making each bite a delightful surprise.

For an extra sweet treat, try serving these cookies with Sugar Cookie Icing or pair them with delicious Danish Butter Cookies. Let your creativity shine as you bake these chewy sugar cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, place the cookies in the fridge within an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a Ziploc bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies warm, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This quick method revives their delightful chewiness that makes these chewy sugar cookies so irresistible!

Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripened ingredients for chewy sugar cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your unsalted butter is very soft before creaming. This trick helps incorporate air into the dough, creating that light and fluffy texture. As for eggs, always use room temperature ones—this allows them to blend in seamlessly with the butter and sugar, enhancing the cookie’s overall goodness.

How should I store chewy sugar cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain that delightful chewiness, store your completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, if you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just be sure to let them warm up to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy their texture!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for chewy sugar cookies?
Absolutely, freezing the dough is a great way to prep ahead! Start by forming the dough into balls and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a Ziploc bag or airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them into the oven straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is sticky, it might be due to your butter not being softened enough or too much flour. Start by ensuring your butter is very soft when you cream it; this makes a huge difference. If the dough is still sticky after mixing, try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach a consistency that’s easy to handle. Remember, the dough should be pliable but not overly wet!

Can I modify this chewy sugar cookie recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! You can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed; they might bake a bit faster or slower. Additionally, if you’re making these for anyone with allergies, you could use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index option or even try a butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

How long can I freeze baked chewy sugar cookies?
For frozen, baked chewy sugar cookies, you can store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that warm, chewy texture!