Description

These Chewy Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft, chewy, and perfectly sweetened. They feature a tender crumb with a slight crisp on the edges, achieved by rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking. This classic recipe is easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep, ideal for holiday baking or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 3/4 cups (344 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, very softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the very softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cookie.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract on medium speed until the batter becomes pale in color and fluffy, taking about 1-2 minutes.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Form Dough Balls: Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll the dough balls in the reserved 1/4 cup granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly, shaping them into circles to encourage even baking and an attractive appearance.
Bake Cookies: Bake 6-8 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes. This allows the edges to set with a slight crisp while keeping the centers chewy.
Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

Make sure the butter is very soft to ensure proper creaming and a tender cookie texture.
Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking gives a subtle crunch and an attractive sparkle.
For even baking, do not overcrowd the baking sheets; give cookies enough space to spread slightly.
Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chewy sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, vanilla sugar cookies