Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe: Who doesn’t love a sugar cookie that’s soft, chewy, and melts in your mouth? Sugar cookies are a classic treat that has stood the test of time. Unlike their crispy counterparts, chewy sugar cookies are all about that tender bite, a subtle buttery flavor, and a hint of vanilla that makes every bite irresistible.
This guide walks you through making the perfect chewy sugar cookie from scratch, with all the tips and tricks you need for baking success. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves Chewy Sugar Cookies
Let’s be honest—chewy sugar cookies are a crowd favorite for a reason. They’re soft, sweet, and versatile enough for every season and occasion. You can dress them up with frosting, decorate them with sprinkles, or just enjoy them plain with a cold glass of milk. The magic lies in their texture: crispy edges with gooey, chewy centers that keep you coming back for more.
Unlike many cookies that turn rock-hard the next day, chewy sugar cookies stay soft and fresh for days—making them a perfect bake-ahead treat for holidays, birthdays, or just a weekend craving. Their simple ingredients make them accessible, but their taste makes them unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, gather your ingredients. Baking is a science, and precision is key, so measuring correctly will make all the difference.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour – the base of your cookie dough. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best chewy texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda – provides just enough lift.
- ½ tsp baking powder – helps with texture and slight puffiness.
- ½ tsp salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened – butter is key for flavor and chewiness.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – the classic sweetener.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk – the yolk adds richness and chewiness.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting aroma.
Optional but fun:
- Extra sugar for rolling dough balls – gives the cookies a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
Tools and Equipment Required
Having the right tools makes your baking smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these easy steps for the perfect chewy sugar cookies.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, which helps with the texture of the cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, the additional egg yolk, and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. The extra yolk helps boost the chewy texture while adding a bit more richness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Do this in two or three parts to avoid overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to fold the dough towards the end, ensuring everything is incorporated but not overworked. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Roll and Chill Dough
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to portion it out. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form even-sized dough balls. Roll each ball lightly between your palms to smooth it out. For an extra sugary crunch, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
Now, this part is important: chill your dough. Pop the dough balls into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Why chill? Because it helps prevent spreading in the oven and enhances the cookie’s chewy texture. If you’re short on time, a quick 15-minute freeze can also work in a pinch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Once chilled, space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—cookies are ready when the edges are just set, but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook on the hot tray even after you remove them from the oven.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust the process—this cooling period helps lock in that perfect chewy texture we’re aiming for.
Tips for Perfectly Chewy Cookies
If you’re going for that dreamy soft-baked texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overbake – Pull them out when they’re just barely golden on the edges.
- Room temperature ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are not cold. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Use an extra egg yolk – The fat in the yolk adds moisture and chewiness.
- Measure flour carefully – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon into the measuring cup and level off.
- Chill the dough – It’s worth the wait. It enhances flavor and helps cookies bake evenly.
Want a bakery-style cookie? Try pressing the top of each dough ball with your fingers to flatten them slightly before baking. This gives a lovely, even spread and that iconic crackled top.
Storage and Shelf Life
So you’ve baked a batch (or two), but how do you keep them fresh?
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container. They stay soft for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the softness.
- Freeze Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes.
A slice of white bread in the container can help keep cookies soft longer by providing extra moisture.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about a classic chewy sugar cookie recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base dough, you can experiment with all kinds of add-ins and flavor twists to make the recipe uniquely yours. Here are some fun and delicious variations to keep your baking exciting:
1. Citrus Zest
Add a tablespoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist. Citrus complements the sweetness beautifully and adds a bright aroma.
2. Almond Extract
Swap out half the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty, fragrant flavor. A little goes a long way!
3. Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Mix in a ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles to turn your cookies into a party favorite. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Roll dough balls in a mix of cinnamon and sugar (think snickerdoodle style) for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
5. Chocolate Chip Twist
Toss in a handful of mini white or dark chocolate chips. Not traditional, but absolutely indulgent.
6. Holiday Cut-Outs
Chill the dough a bit longer, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to make shapes for holidays. Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles.
These variations allow you to turn one great recipe into an entire cookie collection—all with just a few tweaks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced bakers can hit a few snags. Here are the common pitfalls to avoid when baking chewy sugar cookies—and how to fix them:
1. Overbaking
The biggest cookie sin! Sugar cookies should come out of the oven when they look slightly underdone. They continue cooking from residual heat.
2. Skipping the Chill
If you don’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread too much and lose their chewiness. Chill time matters—don’t skip it.
3. Using Cold Butter
Butter should be soft, not melted or cold. Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, affecting texture and spread.
4. Incorrect Flour Measurement
Adding too much flour can make cookies dry and cakey. Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly.
5. Not Preheating the Oven
Baking in an oven that hasn’t reached the correct temperature can cause cookies to cook unevenly.
By watching for these common errors, you’ll make sure every batch of sugar cookies turns out just right—chewy, soft, and delicious every single time.
FAQs about Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid an overly salty cookie.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q3: Why are my cookies flat?
Your dough may have been too warm or your baking soda inactive. Try chilling the dough longer and using fresh leavening agents.
Q4: How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Note that texture might change slightly, but it still works well.
Q5: Can I add frosting on top?
Yes! A basic buttercream or royal icing adds a festive touch and extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Chewy sugar cookies are more than just a nostalgic treat—they’re a baking essential. With their soft centers, crispy edges, and versatile flavor, they offer comfort and sweetness in every bite. This step-by-step guide ensures you get bakery-quality results right at home, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you want something sweet.
Stick to the basics, don’t rush the process, and make it your own with fun mix-ins or festive decorations. Now that you’ve got the recipe down, it’s time to tie on that apron and get baking. Your kitchen (and your cookie jar) will thank you!
