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Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 from 105 reviews

These Chewy Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and full of classic vanilla flavor. Perfectly chewy with a light sugar coating, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer the ideal balance of sweetness and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream the very softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the batter is pale in color and very fluffy, ensuring the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the dry flour mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the dough, which helps maintain chewiness.
  6. Scoop and Roll Dough Balls: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar for a slight sugary coating.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced at least two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Slightly flatten each dough ball and shape into a circle as best as you can to promote even baking.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  9. Cool Cookies: Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your chewy sugar cookies fresh!

Notes

  • Make sure your butter is very soft but not melted for the best creaming results.
  • Do not overmix once you add the flour to keep the cookies chewy instead of cakey.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help control spreading for thicker cookies (optional).
  • Room temperature egg helps with proper mixing and texture.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them soft for several days.

Keywords: chewy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, vanilla sugar cookies, soft cookies