There’s nothing better than a batch of warm Chewy Sugar Cookies straight from the oven. These cookies are buttery, soft, and full of that classic vanilla sweetness we all crave during the holidays. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays or quick dessert cravings any time of year.
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Why You’ll Love These Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies have the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, buttery centers. They require no chilling time, so you can go from mixing to baking in under 30 minutes. The dough is simple to work with, making this recipe ideal for beginners. You’ll love how evenly these cookies bake and how they stay soft for days after. With a yield of about 20 cookies, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or gifting to neighbors. Plus, their classic flavor pairs beautifully with festive sprinkles or frosting if you want to dress them up for the holidays. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast from any dessert table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the best chewy texture. All-purpose flour gives structure, while baking soda and baking powder help the cookies puff slightly without becoming cakey. Softened butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth bite. Granulated sugar sweetens and helps create those crisp, sugary edges. The egg binds everything together and adds moisture, while vanilla extract brings warmth and that comforting bakery aroma. Don’t forget the extra sugar for rolling; it adds sparkle and a light crunch. Always spoon and level your flour or weigh it for accuracy, and make sure your butter is very soft before creaming for the best results.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies
Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on high speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again until pale and creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add your dry ingredients just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Scoop, Roll, and Shape
Next, scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then coat it in the reserved granulated sugar. Place the dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. If you like a neat look, you can slightly flatten each cookie before baking. After baking, use a round cutter to gently shape them for a perfect bakery-style finish.
Bake to Perfect Chewiness
Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven. Watch for pale centers and lightly golden edges — that’s when they’re just right. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack. This short rest lets the centers set while staying wonderfully chewy inside.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chewy Texture
Use butter that’s truly soft, not melted, so it creams properly with the sugar. Creaming until fluffy adds air, which helps the cookies stay soft and light. Measure your flour carefully — too much makes the dough dry and dense. Don’t overbake; even an extra minute can take away that chewy center. For an extra neat look, shape cookies right after baking while they’re still warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container, and you’ll notice they become even softer after a day. That’s the secret to their irresistible texture. These little adjustments make all the difference for that bakery-quality chew.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Store your chewy sugar cookies in a sealed container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to make the dough ahead, shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to one month. When ready to bake, let the dough return to room temperature first. You can also freeze baked cookies and thaw them for quick holiday treats. To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and texture.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Red Velvet Blossoms – Festive and Easy
- Christmas Fudge Recipe for Gifting
- Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
- Thumbprint Cookies for a Sweet Christmas Treat
- Christmas Sprinkle Cookies for the Dessert Table
Conclusion
These chewy sugar cookies are a true Christmas classic that never fails to impress. They’re easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. Bake a batch for your next holiday gathering, and watch them vanish before your eyes. Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on Pinterest — I’d love to see how yours turn out!
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls One medium and one large bowl
- electric mixer Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements
- Baking sheets Line with parchment paper
- Wire rack For cooling cookies
- Cookie scoop 2-tablespoon size recommended
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; beat on medium until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion dough. Roll each piece into a ball and coat in granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets and lightly flatten each one.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes or until edges are set and centers are pale. Do not overbake.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
