Chewy Sugar Cookies
These Chewy Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as an everyday snack. The best part? This recipe features no-chill dough, making it quick and easy to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This cookie dough does not require chilling, allowing you to bake fresh cookies in just 25 minutes.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sugar.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize with almond extract or top with frosting for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or casual snacking, these cookies fit right in.
- Easy Cleanup: Using parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your chewy sugar cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or baking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for your dough without much effort.
- Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for cookies to bake evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of cookies once baked.
Ingredients
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a Christmas cookie staple! This no-chill dough sugar cookie recipe is full of simple ingredients and comes together quickly!
For the Dough
- 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
For Dipping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with baking spray.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use your stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about one minute.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the mixture. Beat everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
Step 5: Form Cookie Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. After rolling each ball, dip it into granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until they have set but are still soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious chewy sugar cookies! Feel free to frost them or cover them with glaze if desired for extra flavor.
With this easy recipe for chewy sugar cookies, you’ll create treats that everyone loves!
How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but with a little creativity, you can elevate your serving experience. Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy these cookies at gatherings or with your family.
With Milk
- Classic Pairing – Serve warm chewy sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk for a timeless treat that never goes out of style.
Frosted Delight
- Add Some Sweetness – Frost your chewy sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting or royal icing for a festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Double the Fun – Make cookie sandwiches by adding a scoop of ice cream between two chewy sugar cookies. This is an excellent summer treat!
Dipped in Chocolate
- Indulgent Twist – Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set for a deliciously rich flavor combination.
Crumbled Topping
- Gourmet Dessert – Crumble the cookies over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy topping that adds texture and sweetness to your dessert.
Gift-Worthy Treats
- Homemade Gifts – Package your chewy sugar cookies in decorative boxes or bags as sweet gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
How to Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies
To achieve the ultimate chewy texture in your sugar cookies, follow these essential tips. A few small adjustments can make all the difference in your baking results.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air better, leading to fluffier cookies.
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Do Not Overmix – Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired chewiness.
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Scoop Even Portions – Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies. This helps them bake uniformly, resulting in consistent texture throughout each batch.
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Watch Your Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set but still soft when pulled from the oven for that perfect chewy bite.
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Cool on Baking Sheet – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This allows them to firm up while retaining their softness.
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Store Properly – To keep your chewy sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Sugar Cookies
While chewy sugar cookies are great on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious side dishes that go well with these tasty treats:
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Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with chewy sugar cookies and balances their sweetness.
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Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can provide a comforting beverage option alongside your chewy sugar cookies, enhancing their flavor profile.
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Chocolate Fondue – Serve chewy sugar cookies alongside warm chocolate fondue for a fun dipping experience that’s sure to impress guests.
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Mini Cheesecakes – Individual cheesecakes offer a creamy counterpart that complements the texture of chewy sugar cookies beautifully.
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Nutty Trail Mix – For those who prefer something crunchy, serve a nutty trail mix as an accompaniment for added texture and flavor contrast.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These decadent berries add elegance and a touch of romance when served next to sugary delights like chewy sugar cookies.
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Pudding Cups – Silky pudding cups can be an indulgent pairing that adds creaminess and enhances the overall dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chewy sugar cookies is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that perfect chewiness.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Skipping the baking soda: Baking soda helps cookies rise and become chewy. Don’t skip this key ingredient!
- Not spacing cookies correctly on the sheet: Crowding cookies can cause them to bake unevenly. Leave enough space between each cookie for proper spreading.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Duration: Freeze for up to three months.
- Containers: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
Reheating Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps it soft but be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm the cookie for about 30 seconds on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chewy sugar cookies that may help you bake better!
What makes chewy sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Chewy sugar cookies have a softer texture due to the right balance of ingredients and proper mixing techniques, resulting in that delightful chewiness.
Can I make chewy sugar cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water for similar moisture and binding properties.
How do I know when my chewy sugar cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set while the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool down.
Can I freeze my chewy sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just roll it into balls and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Final Thoughts
These chewy sugar cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with sprinkles, frostings, or even chocolate chips! Enjoy their delightful texture and share them with friends and family during festive occasions or any day you crave something sweet. Try this recipe and discover your new favorite cookie!
Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chewy Sugar Cookies are the quintessential comfort treat, perfect for any occasion. These delightful cookies boast a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible addition to holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack to enjoy any day. What sets this recipe apart is its no-chill dough, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 25 minutes. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed plain or embellished with frosting, they offer versatility and endless customization options.
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°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about one minute).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and dip each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until set around the edges but soft in the center.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (24g)
- Calories: 119
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 47mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
