Best Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these Best Chewy Sugar Cookies. Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery richness, crackly sugar topping, and that unbeatable chewy center we all crave. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen and never lasts long on the counter—friends and family can’t resist their irresistible texture and nostalgic vanilla flavor. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie swap, or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies absolutely deliver on every front!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic ingredients, you’re only minutes away from baking the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies. Each component plays a special role—whether adding structure, flavor, or that signature chewy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each ingredient matters:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure, producing cookies that hold their shape yet remain tender.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread perfectly while baking for a chewy bite.
• Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift, making your cookies soft instead of flat.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings that melt-in-your-mouth richness and helps create the soft, chewy centers.
• Granulated sugar: The key to sweetness and that crisp sugared crust.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookies’ wonderfully chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and that classic sugar cookie aroma we all love.
• Milk: Keeps the dough soft and ensures moist cookies.
• Additional sugar for rolling: Gives each cookie its classic, sparkly finish and a delicate crunch.

How to Make Best Chewy Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this temperature is perfect for creating cookies with crisp edges and chewy middles. Make sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper, as this prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leaveners and salt throughout the flour, setting you up for uniform cookies every time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for aerating the dough, which helps make the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies extra tender.

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Milk

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. The egg acts as a binder and adds just enough moisture, while the vanilla and milk round out the flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to get a little luxurious here—high-quality vanilla really makes these cookies shine.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything’s incorporated. The dough will be soft but manageable, perfect for rolling.

Step 6: Form and Sugar the Dough Balls

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls between your palms. Then, roll each ball generously in granulated sugar—this is what gives Best Chewy Sugar Cookies that iconic sparkly crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone. Trust the timing—the cookies will firm up as they cool, maintaining their ultra-chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time lets the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies finish setting up and ensures they don’t break when moved. Once cool, it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Best Chewy Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

To give your Best Chewy Sugar Cookies an extra pop, you can dust them with a light sprinkle of colored sanding sugar before baking, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after they’ve cooled. Sprinkles, a pinch of coarse sea salt, or even a tiny bit of grated citrus zest add their own special flair—perfect if you want to wow at a party or bake sale.

Side Dishes

These cookies are absolutely dreamy served with a cold glass of milk or a mug of hot tea. For a fun dessert platter, pair them alongside chocolate chip cookies or even tangy lemon bars for a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in a mason jar tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for an instant and irresistible ice cream sandwich. You can also crumble Best Chewy Sugar Cookies over a bowl of vanilla yogurt for a satisfying, crunchy parfait topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days. To help maintain their moisture, you can pop a slice of white bread in with the cookies—a little trick that works wonders for freshness!

Freezing

The dough for these Best Chewy Sugar Cookies freezes beautifully. Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then place on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months. You can bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or so to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies become a bit firm after storage, revive them by popping in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. They’ll regain that just-baked softness, making your Best Chewy Sugar Cookies taste as fresh as the moment they left the oven.

FAQs

Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading excessively, the butter may have been too soft or melted when mixed. Always use butter that’s just softened—not melted—and be sure to measure your flour accurately for the best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to mix in the dry ingredients gently, and bake in batches so your cookies have plenty of space to spread out and bake evenly.

Can I make Best Chewy Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ideally one that contains xanthan gum. Check your baking times, as gluten-free doughs may bake a bit faster or spread differently.

What makes these the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies?

It comes down to the perfect blend of ingredients, careful creaming of the butter and sugar, and just-right baking times. The combination creates cookies with lightly crisp edges, soft centers, and unbeatable chewiness—worthy of the title!

Can I use almond extract?

Definitely! For a subtle nutty note, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. It adds just enough of a twist to make your cookies extra memorable without overwhelming their classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe that proves just how magical simple ingredients can be, it’s these Best Chewy Sugar Cookies. I hope you’ll bake up a batch soon, keep your cookie jar full, and share the sweetness with everyone you love. Happy baking!

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