Zesty Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sometimes you just need a classic treat that melts in your mouth without any fuss or complicated steps. That is exactly why I keep coming back to this Chewy Sugar Cookies recipe whenever a sweet craving hits.

I love that these require absolutely no dough chilling, so you can go from mixing bowl to warm oven in just minutes.

What Makes These Chewy Sugar Cookies So Special

The texture is absolutely wonderful with crisp sparkly edges and a tender center that stays soft for days. I find the rich vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

You do not need a rolling pin or cookie cutters to make these simple yet impressive treats. I appreciate how the dough comes together in one bowl with pantry staples I always have on hand.

It is a versatile base that works for holidays, birthdays, or just a random Tuesday afternoon snack. Chewy Sugar Cookies are truly a crowd pleaser that I feel confident serving to guests or gifting to friends.

If you enjoyed this simple bake, you will want to try my Ultimate Easy Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe next, plus the Easy Lemon Blueberry Soft Cookies delivers the same soft texture.

Everything You Need for Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies

Here are the simple pantry staples you will need to bake this batch:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure this accurately so your cookies stay soft.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies puff up perfectly while they bake.
• Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out the rich buttery notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it is softened to room temperature but still slightly cool to the touch.
• Granulated Sugar: You will need this for the dough and a little extra for rolling the dough balls before baking.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Using an extra yolk adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Two full teaspoons give these cookies that classic warm bakery flavor.

My Method for Chewy Sugar Cookies

Let’s get these cookies in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Cream the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture looks fluffy and pale.
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is fully combined.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients on low speed just until the flour disappears and a firm dough forms.
6. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in the extra granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

My Chewy Sugar Cookies Secrets

Be very careful not to overmeasure your flour or the cookies will not flatten properly. I always fluff the flour first and then spoon it gently into the measuring cup before leveling it off.

Do not skip the step of rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to the exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft Chewy Sugar Cookies center.

Keep a close eye on the oven because these are best when slightly underbaked. I pull them out when the centers still look a bit puffy because they firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

My Favorite Ways to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies

These cookies are wonderful warm right off the baking sheet with a tall glass of cold milk. I also love sandwiching two of them together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick homemade treat.

They look beautiful stacked on a platter for holiday gatherings or wrapped in clear bags for gifts. The sparkly sugar coating makes them look festive enough for any special occasion without extra decoration.