Indulging in a delightful homemade dessert can truly elevate any occasion, especially during festive seasons. Today, I’m sharing a simple yet scrumptious recipe for chewy sugar cookies that are perfect for Christmas, Halloween, or any time you’re in the mood for sweet, buttery treats. These cookies capture the essence of cozy family moments spent in the kitchen and are sure to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. My own family has made these cookies countless times, each batch melting in our mouths and evoking memories of joyful celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
These chewy sugar cookies are incredibly versatile and easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, creating a delightfully chewy bite with just the right amount of crispness at the edges. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, need a quick treat for the school bake sale, or simply want a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
“These cookies disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper,” says a happy home baker.
With their simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Plus, the joy of decorating them with festive sprinkles or icing makes them a fun project for the whole family.
How to Make Chewy sugar cookie recipe
Making these chewy sugar cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Start by creaming together your butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients, whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, combining until a dough forms. Chill the dough briefly in the refrigerator for that perfect chewy texture, then roll it into balls and bake until golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your chewy sugar cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Feel free to substitute the butter for a non-dairy alternative if necessary or switch up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a better texture.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet.
- If desired, roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Chewy sugar cookie recipe
Serving these chewy sugar cookies is all about creativity and joy. You can enjoy them warm out of the oven with a glass of milk for a classic treat. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with royal icing or a simple glaze and sprinkles. These cookies also make wonderful party favors or sweet additions to a dessert table. Kids love them as after-school snacks, and they’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.
How to Store
To keep your chewy sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save them for a later date, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes to regain their delightful chewiness.
Tips to Make
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients, as this can result in tough cookies. Chilling the dough is crucial for developing the ideal texture, so don’t skip this step. Finally, keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they can go from perfectly golden to overbaked in just a minute.
Variations
Experimenting with different flavors can take your chewy sugar cookies to new heights. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed candies to the dough for a delightful twist. You can also tailor these cookies to suit seasonal occasions by incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for the fall or orange zest for a refreshing summer version. For a fun, colorful touch, use pastel colored sugars for spring gatherings or festive colors for holidays.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, or frozen for up to three months.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a bit more flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Using brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more quick and family-friendly recipes, check out our delightful protein muffins or try your hand at a creative mini bento cake recipe.
We’re excited to see how your baking adventures unfold! Please visit our Pinterest page for more recipe ideas and inspiration:
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a better texture.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet.
- If desired, roll the cookie dough balls in colored sugar before baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.