Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, chewy sugar cookie fresh from the oven. Maybe it’s the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen or the way each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving just one more. This chewy sugar cookie recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table, and it’s incredibly simple to make! With a few staple ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll be on your way to creating a batch of cookies that are sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can make these cookies at home.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this chewy sugar cookie recipe lies in its balance of ingredients. By using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, we create a cookie that has a tender crumb while still being sturdy enough to hold its shape. The baking soda adds just the right amount of lift, while the generous use of butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and chewy texture. Plus, with the addition of vanilla extract, each bite is bursting with delightful sweetness.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – to cream butter and sugar together smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements.
- Baking sheet – to place the cookies while baking.
- Parchment paper – for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – for uniform cookie sizes.
Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This combination will ensure your cookies have the perfect structure.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy sugar cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
- Add in dark chocolate chips or nuts for a nutritious twist.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is at the right temperature—room temperature, not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.
- Cookies Are Too Hard: Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Uneven Baking: Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
- Texture is Off: Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can create tough cookies.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the cookie dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes! While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that different sugars can affect the texture slightly.
What can I add to the cookie dough for extra flavor?
You can add a variety of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Just be sure not to exceed 1 cup of mix-ins to maintain the cookie’s structure.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers might look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This chewy sugar cookie recipe is easily scalable. Just keep in mind that you may need to bake in batches, depending on the size of your baking sheets.
Bring It to the Table
These chewy sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply because you want to indulge in something sweet, this chewy sugar cookie recipe is your go-to. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and softness, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of delightful cookies that will fill your home with warmth and happiness. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy each delicious cookie!
Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Store cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months for a quick treat.
