Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry to Wet
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts.
- Mix on low just until combined — do not overmix.
Step 5: Shape
- Scoop dough into balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each).
- Roll each ball in a little sugar for a sparkly finish.
- Place on baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake 8–10 minutes — edges should be slightly set and centers soft.
- Do not overbake — they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
For warm cookies, microwave 8–10 seconds before serving.
🥄 Variations
Sparkle Cookies:
Roll in coarse sugar for crunch. Frosted Version:
Top with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese icing. Citrus Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest to the dough. Holiday Spice:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Half-Dip in Chocolate:
Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white or dark chocolate. ❓ 10 FAQs Why do my cookies turn out cakey?
Too much flour — spoon and level flour when measuring. How do I keep cookies chewy?
Do not overbake; remove when still soft in the center. Does the butter need to be softened?
Yes — softened butter is key to proper texture. Can I chill the dough?
Yes — chilling helps prevent spreading (30 minutes recommended for thick cookies). Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze pre-rolled cookie balls, then bake from frozen. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch. How do I make them thicker?
Chill dough and reduce baking time. Can I bake two sheets at once?
Yes — rotate pans halfway through for even baking. Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly — but cookies will become less chewy. 🏁 Conclusion These Chewy Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and full of classic vanilla flavor. They’re simple to make, dependable, and always crowd-pleasing — the kind of cookie you bake once and return to forever. Whether for holidays, everyday treats, or gifts, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Beautiful. Familiar. Perfectly chewy.
Roll in coarse sugar for crunch. Frosted Version:
Top with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese icing. Citrus Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest to the dough. Holiday Spice:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Half-Dip in Chocolate:
Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white or dark chocolate. ❓ 10 FAQs Why do my cookies turn out cakey?
Too much flour — spoon and level flour when measuring. How do I keep cookies chewy?
Do not overbake; remove when still soft in the center. Does the butter need to be softened?
Yes — softened butter is key to proper texture. Can I chill the dough?
Yes — chilling helps prevent spreading (30 minutes recommended for thick cookies). Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze pre-rolled cookie balls, then bake from frozen. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch. How do I make them thicker?
Chill dough and reduce baking time. Can I bake two sheets at once?
Yes — rotate pans halfway through for even baking. Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly — but cookies will become less chewy. 🏁 Conclusion These Chewy Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and full of classic vanilla flavor. They’re simple to make, dependable, and always crowd-pleasing — the kind of cookie you bake once and return to forever. Whether for holidays, everyday treats, or gifts, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Beautiful. Familiar. Perfectly chewy.