Get ready to fall in love with these Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies that are soft, delicious, and perfectly chewy! This recipe delivers a classic treat with a twist—each cookie has a delightful texture that stays tender and chewy even after cooling. Ideal for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a homemade, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Ingredients for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Substitutions for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- Flour Options: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you’re avoiding gluten
- Butter Alternatives: Substitute with dairy-free butter for a vegan version
- Egg Replacement: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for egg-free cookies
- Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative
- Sweetener Swap: Experiment with superfine sugar or a mix of granulated and light brown sugar for a richer flavor
How to Make Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sour cream until well combined.
- Combine & Chill: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour to ensure chewier cookies.
- Shape & Roll: Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool & Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mix-ins for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist
- Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, spiced notes
- Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- Chocolate: Gently swirl in mini chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolaty burst
Recipe Tips for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s key for achieving a chewy texture
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies
- Watch the Bake Time: Underbake slightly to keep the centers soft and chewy
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, well-mixed dough
Storage for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual cookies or dough balls on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: For a freshly baked feel, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds
Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe Variations
- Cut-Out Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough between parchment sheets, cut into fun shapes, and bake as cut-outs for festive occasions
- Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of your favorite jam or a creamy buttercream between two cookies for a delightful sandwich treat
- Double Chocolate: Replace part of the flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips for a chocolatey variation
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, flax egg, and plant-based sour cream to create a vegan-friendly version
FAQs for Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
Q: Why are my sugar cookies not chewy enough?
A: Ensure you’re chilling the dough for at least 1 hour and avoid overbaking. Using sour cream also helps add moisture for a chewier texture.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze dough balls for longer storage.
Q: How do I adjust this recipe for a softer cookie?
A: Slightly underbake the cookies—remove them when the edges are set and the centers still look a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Q: Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla?
A: While almond extract adds a lovely flavor, it’s best used in addition to vanilla extract rather than as a full substitute for a balanced taste.
Final Thoughts on Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
These Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, tender centers and a lightly crisp edge. With a few simple ingredients and plenty of room for creative mix-ins, you can customize these cookies to suit any occasion or taste. Try this recipe today and experience a cookie that’s not only delicious but also irresistibly chewy—a true must-try treat for every cookie lover!
Ultimate Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe You Must Try
These chewy sugar cookies have a soft center, crisp edges, and an irresistible buttery vanilla flavor. This easy recipe requires simple ingredients and guarantees perfect cookies every time!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their chewy texture.
Step 3: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
Step 4: Shape & Bake
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them into a smooth ball.
- Roll each dough ball in the reserved sugar to coat.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies:
- ✔ Chill the dough – Prevents spreading and enhances the chewiness.
- ✔ Don’t overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven.
- ✔ Use high-quality vanilla – It makes a big difference in flavor.
- ✔ For extra softness, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
- ✔ Want a fun twist? Mix in lemon zest, cinnamon, or colored sugar before rolling!
Notes
- Make it festive? Roll in colored sugar or add sprinkles.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Make it dairy-free? Substitute butter for vegan butter and milk for almond milk.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
