Chewy Sugar Cookies

Nothing says cozy baking like a batch of Chewy Sugar Cookies—soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Each bite melts in your mouth with that irresistible chewy center and crisp edge. Best of all, they’re quick, no-chill, and always a crowd favorite. These cookies are perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or sneaking straight off the tray while they’re still warm.

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Sugar Cookies

These chewy sugar cookies hit the sweet spot between tender and crisp, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels homemade every single time. You’ll love that the dough doesn’t need chilling, which means you can go from mixing bowl to warm cookies in under 30 minutes. The secret to their chewy texture lies in the creaming method—whipping the butter and sugar until fluffy helps trap air, creating that light, tender bite. Measuring the flour correctly also keeps them soft rather than cakey. They’re simple, consistent, and perfect for both holiday cookie trays and everyday cravings. You can even add colored sugar for a festive twist or drizzle with glaze for a sparkly Christmas dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays its part in creating the best chewy sugar cookies. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking soda and baking powder give just enough lift for a soft center. Butter adds richness and that signature buttery aroma, and sugar sweetens while helping the edges crisp slightly. The egg binds everything and keeps the interior moist, while vanilla brings warmth and sweetness to the flavor. Rolling each cookie in sugar before baking gives them that sparkling, slightly crisp finish everyone loves. You’ll need: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, and extra sugar for rolling. Simple pantry staples, but the result is pure cookie bliss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until everything looks evenly mixed. This step ensures no clumps and even rise later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat very soft butter and sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy. This step is key for that chewy, tender texture, so take your time here. The mix should look pale and airy.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla until the mixture turns even fluffier and slightly glossy. This adds both flavor and structure, ensuring every cookie stays soft in the center.

Combine and Shape

Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix or the cookies may toughen. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll each into a ball, and coat in sugar. Place them on the baking sheet at least 2 inches apart, slightly flattening the tops.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 9–10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a rack. They’ll finish setting as they cool, staying perfectly chewy inside.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies

Make sure your butter is very soft—it should dent easily with a light press. If it’s too cold, your cookies won’t spread properly. Always measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, or use a kitchen scale for accuracy (1 cup = 125 g). Creaming butter and sugar for at least 2 minutes ensures the right texture. Avoid overbaking; they should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven. For picture-perfect rounds, press a round cutter over each cookie right after baking to shape them neatly. If baking two trays, rotate them halfway for even browning. These little details make the difference between good cookies and unforgettable ones.

Storage and Freezing Guide

Store your chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft but gradually develop an even chewier texture over time. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel. If you prefer freezing the dough, shape and roll the balls in sugar first, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

Related Recipes to Try

• Classic gingerbread cookies for the holidays
• Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake
• Cinnamon roll cookies with chewy texture
• Red velvet cookies with rich flavor
• Shortbread cookies festive buttery treat
• Soft and chewy pumpkin cookies

Conclusion

Chewy Sugar Cookies are the definition of simple baking joy—easy to make, soft in the center, and golden around the edges. You’ll love how quick they are, no chilling or fancy tools needed. Bake them for the holidays, share them at parties, or enjoy them warm with a cold glass of milk. Each cookie delivers that buttery comfort everyone craves, and once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for every sweet occasion. For even more festive cookie ideas, check out my Pinterest page for inspiration.

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