Chewy Sugar Cookies: A Cherished Recipe for Comfort
There’s something truly magical about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, a cozy embrace wrapping around you like your favorite blanket. The moment I pull a tray of Chewy Sugar Cookies from the oven, memories rush back—of laughter-filled afternoons spent in my grandmother’s warm kitchen where flour sometimes dusted our noses and sugar-coated our fingertips. Each bite of these golden delights takes me back to those simple times, reminding me of the joy that comes from sharing delicious treats with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share this classic Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sprinkle of sweetness. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Chewy Sugar Cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them a perfect go-to for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, tender, and utterly irresistible, these cookies will charm your family and friends, making them a hit at gatherings.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as-is or get creative with toppings and frosting for a festive twist. These cookies are a blank canvas for your sweet inspirations.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime!
- Fun for the Kids: Involve the little ones in the kitchen! Rolling dough into balls and dipping them in sugar is a fun activity everyone can join.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chewy Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for dipping
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or coat it with baking spray) for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl with a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar together until it’s light, fluffy, and as dreamy as it sounds—about 1 minute.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract—if you’re feeling adventurous! Beat until well combined.
- Gently add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch all those tasty bits!
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and give them a nice roll in the extra sugar—you want that sweet crust to sparkle!
- Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the cookies have set and are just starting to turn golden on the edges.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm, or feel free to frost them or cover them with a glaze, if desired!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The melty chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet, chewy cookie base.
- Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies: Replace a teaspoon of vanilla with freshly grated lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Nutty Almond Joy Cookies: Incorporate shredded coconut and chopped almonds into the dough for a fun, tropical flair.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time! Form the balls and freeze them. When you’re ready for a fresh batch, just bake them straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of eggs, a flaxseed meal mixed with water can be a great substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens!
- Storage Suggestions: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them—just thaw and enjoy whenever you get that cookie craving!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the formed cookie balls for a quick treat later on.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in gluten-free flour or different extracts, like peppermint or orange, for a fun twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
How long does it last?
When stored correctly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
There’s nothing quite like the soft, sugary goodness of Chewy Sugar Cookies to warm your heart and home. They’re a delightful reminder of simpler, sweeter times. As you bake these tender treats, I hope they bring a smile to your face and a little coziness to your day. Save this Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Chewy Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and the perfect treat for any occasion, evoking warm memories of baking with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; beat until well combined.
- Gently add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the extra sugar.
- Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until set and golden on the edges.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, sugar cookies, dessert, baking, sweet treats