There is something truly special about a classic sugar cookie. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of holidays, bake sales, and cozy afternoons. However, not all sugar cookies are created equal. Many recipes result in dry, crumbly, or overly crisp cookies. Consequently, the search for the perfect recipe can be frustrating. If you’ve been dreaming of a cookie that is soft, rich with buttery flavor, and has an irresistibly chewy center, you have come to the right place. This guide provides the ultimate recipe for easy chewy sugar cookies, ensuring a perfect batch every single time. As a result, you’ll never need another sugar cookie recipe again.
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing quality. Therefore, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results. We will walk through every step, from selecting the right ingredients to the secret techniques that guarantee that sought-after chewy texture. Furthermore, these easy chewy sugar cookies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, roll them in colorful sprinkles, or top them with a simple glaze. In short, get ready to fill your cookie jar with the most delicious and satisfying sugar cookies you’ve ever made.
Why This is the Best Easy Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
What sets this recipe apart from the thousands of others online? The answer lies in a few key scientific principles of baking. First and foremost, we focus on maximizing moisture to create that signature chewiness. Unlike crispy cookies that have a lower moisture content, our recipe uses specific ingredients that hold onto water during the baking process. For example, the inclusion of an extra egg yolk adds fat and protein, which contributes to a richer, softer texture.
In addition, the ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar is carefully balanced. Brown sugar contains molasses, which is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This not only makes the cookies chewier but also imparts a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor. Similarly, a small amount of cornstarch is our secret weapon. It tenderizes the cookie crumb, preventing it from becoming tough and giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality. While many recipes aim for a simple sweet flavor, our goal is a complex, buttery, and deeply satisfying cookie experience. It’s a different kind of perfection compared to something like these gooey chocolate cookies with marshmallows, but equally delicious.
Finally, the method itself is crucial. We emphasize the importance of not overmixing the dough and, most importantly, chilling it before baking. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. As a result, they bake up thicker, softer, and, you guessed it, chewier. These deliberate steps are what transform a standard recipe into the ultimate guide for easy chewy sugar cookies.
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Easy Chewy Sugar Cookies: The 10 Ultimate Secrets for the Best Batch
These easy chewy sugar cookies are soft, rich, and full of buttery flavor with a perfectly chewy center. Simple to make and endlessly customizable.
- Total Time: 31 minutes (+chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional: additional granulated sugar or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Scrape down the sides. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. Reduce mixer speed to low. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. Roll in sugar or sprinkles if desired. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should look soft and slightly underbaked.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and improve flavor.
Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cookies tender.
Pull cookies from the oven while centers still look soft for perfect chewiness.
For a festive look, roll dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Add a slice of bread to the cookie container to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cookies
Great cookies begin with great ingredients. For this recipe, each component plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. While the list is simple, using high-quality ingredients will undoubtedly elevate the final product. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters.
Flour, Leavening, and Salt
The foundation of any cookie is the dry ingredient mixture. For our easy chewy sugar cookies, we use all-purpose flour, as it provides the right amount of structure. It is very important to measure your flour correctly. Instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents a dense, dry cookie. In addition, we use baking soda as our primary leavening agent. Baking soda reacts with the acidic components in the brown sugar to give the cookies a gentle lift. A pinch of salt is also essential; it doesn’t just add saltiness but actually enhances the sweetness and complexity of the other flavors.
Butter and Sugars
The type and temperature of your butter are non-negotiable for this recipe. You must use unsalted, room temperature butter. Softened butter creams more efficiently with the sugars, creating air pockets that contribute to the cookie’s texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t mix properly; if it’s melted, the cookies will spread too much. As mentioned earlier, we use a combination of granulated and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to the crisp edges, while the brown sugar is the key to that chewy, moist center. You can learn more about the roles of different sugars in baking from reputable sources like Healthline.
Eggs and Vanilla
For this recipe, we use one whole egg and one additional egg yolk. The whole egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together. However, the extra egg yolk is a game-changer. It adds fat and richness, which creates a more tender and chewy cookie. Consequently, this simple addition significantly improves the final texture. Be sure to use large eggs and bring them to room temperature along with your butter. Finally, pure vanilla extract is a must for classic sugar cookie flavor. Use a high-quality extract for the best results, as its flavor truly shines through in this simple cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you understand the “why” behind our ingredient choices, let’s get to the “how.” Follow these steps carefully for guaranteed success. Remember, baking is a science, and every step matters.
- Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the ingredients, which is crucial for a consistent bake. Set this bowl aside for later.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, can take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as it incorporates air into the dough.
- Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined, about another minute.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until the flour is just combined. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tough cookies.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough. This is the most important step for chewy cookies. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling the dough prevents spreading and deepens the flavor.
- Step 6: Prepare for Baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Roll and Bake. Scoop the chilled dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each. If desired, roll the balls in additional granulated sugar or sprinkles for a sparkly finish. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked.
- Step 8: Cool and Enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly. Once cool, enjoy your perfect, easy chewy sugar cookies!
Tips and Tricks for Ultimate Chewiness
Beyond the core recipe, a few extra tips can help you perfect your cookie-making technique. First, always use room temperature ingredients (butter and eggs). This ensures they emulsify properly, creating a smooth and uniform dough. Secondly, do not skip the chilling step. It might seem tedious, but it is the number one secret to thick, chewy cookies. Chilling prevents the butter from melting too quickly in the oven, which is the primary cause of flat, crispy cookies.
Another crucial tip is to avoid overbaking. The cookies should be removed from the oven when the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to bake on the hot pan after you take them out. This residual heat cooking is key to maintaining that soft, chewy middle. Finally, for storing, place the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container. You can add a slice of bread to the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, helping them stay soft and chewy for several days. Proper food handling is always important, and you can review safety guidelines from sources like the Mayo Clinic to ensure your kitchen practices are safe.
Fun Variations and Decorations
While these easy chewy sugar cookies are fantastic on their own, they also serve as a perfect canvas for your creativity. The possibilities are nearly endless, allowing you to customize them for any occasion or flavor preference.
Add Sprinkles or Sugar
The simplest way to decorate is to roll the dough balls in something before baking. For a classic, sparkly look, roll them in coarse sanding sugar. For a festive touch, use colorful nonpareils or sprinkles. This is an especially fun activity for kids. You can match the sprinkle colors to holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter. For more festive ideas, you might also like these beautiful classic candy cane cookies.
Incorporate Different Extracts
Vanilla is classic, but you can easily change the flavor profile by using different extracts. For a bright, citrusy cookie, substitute half of the vanilla extract with lemon or orange extract. For a cozy, nutty flavor, try a quarter teaspoon of almond extract. Remember that almond extract is quite potent, so a little goes a long way. Always start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Frosting and Glazes
Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can top them with your favorite frosting or glaze. A simple buttercream frosting is always a winner. Alternatively, a light powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar, a little milk, and a drop of vanilla) can add a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. You can color the frosting or glaze with food coloring to match any theme. Let your imagination run wild and create your own signature easy chewy sugar cookies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baking the perfect batch of easy chewy sugar cookies is an achievable and rewarding experience. By focusing on key ingredients like brown sugar and an extra egg yolk, you can guarantee a moist and tender result. Furthermore, techniques such as properly creaming the butter and sugar, not overmixing the flour, and chilling the dough are essential for success. This recipe provides a reliable foundation for classic cookies that are delicious plain or can be customized for any occasion. Ultimately, you now have all the secrets to leave dry, crumbly cookies behind and bake the best easy chewy sugar cookies of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dough is perfect for making ahead. You can refrigerate the dough, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the rolled dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, simply add a minute or two to the baking time; there is no need to thaw them first.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The most common reason for cookies spreading is that the dough was not chilled long enough, or your butter was too soft or even melted. Chilling solidifies the fat, which helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the cookies in.
Can I use this recipe for cut-out cookies?
This recipe is specifically designed to be soft and chewy, so it is not ideal for intricate cut-out shapes. The dough is a bit too soft and will spread more than a typical cut-out cookie dough. For cut-outs, you would need a firmer dough with less leavening.
How do I store these easy chewy sugar cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
