Chewy Sugar Cookies
These Chewy Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! With their soft texture and delightful sweetness, they make a wonderful treat for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. This no-chill dough recipe is simple to whip up and uses basic ingredients you probably already have at home. Enjoy these cookies as they are, or get creative by adding frosting or a glaze for an extra touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This chewy sugar cookie recipe requires no chilling time, making it a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile Flavor: With vanilla and optional almond extracts, these cookies offer a delightful flavor profile that can be customized.
- Perfect Texture: Achieve the ultimate softness and chewiness with this straightforward baking method.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or just because, these cookies will impress everyone.
- Fun to Decorate: Feel free to frost or glaze them for a festive touch that adds to their appeal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these chewy sugar cookies, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or baking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar fast and efficient for achieving the desired lightness in your dough.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
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, for dipping
How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or coating it with baking spray.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl using either a stand mixer or hand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 1 minute.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in the following ingredients:
– 1 egg
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp almond extract (if using)
Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Next, add in:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
Gently mix until everything is just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–11 minutes or until they have set but still appear soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow your chewy sugar cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them as-is, or feel free to frost them for an extra special treat!
How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies
Serving chewy sugar cookies can be a delightful experience. These soft treats are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the enjoyment with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to consider:
Pair with Milk
- A classic combination, serving your chewy sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk enhances their sweetness and gives a comforting feel.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Transform your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert treat.
Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or celebrations. Add some seasonal decorations for an inviting presentation.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your chewy sugar cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it an ideal afternoon snack.
Frosted Variations
- Try frosting some of the cookies with buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat that adds color and flavor.
Gift Giving
- Package them in decorative boxes or bags as sweet gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
How to Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies
To achieve the perfect chewy sugar cookies, pay attention to these essential tips:
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Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
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Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
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Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly underbaked for that perfect chewiness.
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Cool on Baking Sheet: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without becoming too hard.
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Experiment with Extracts: Feel free to play around with different extracts like almond or lemon to enhance the flavors of your chewy sugar cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Sugar Cookies
Chewy sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:
-
Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of flavor and balances out the sweetness of the cookies. -
Cheese Board
Include a mix of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a savory-sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with chewy sugar cookies. -
Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate is perfect for dipping pieces of cookie or fresh strawberries, creating an interactive dessert experience. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, granola, and chopped chewy sugar cookie pieces for a delicious breakfast or dessert option. -
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate complements the soft texture of the cookies beautifully. -
Sliced Cakes
Serve alongside small slices of pound cake or sponge cake for an indulgent treat at your next gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chewy sugar cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results.
- Ingredients: Using cold butter instead of softened butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Mixing Too Much: Overmixing the dough after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy result.
- Incorrect Measurements: Not measuring flour properly can ruin your cookie dough. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Skipping the Oven Preheat: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect how cookies rise and spread. Always preheat your oven before baking.
- Not Cooling Properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for too long can cause them to become hard. Transfer them to a wire rack shortly after baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making chewy sugar cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
How do I make my Chewy Sugar Cookies thicker?
Adding an extra tablespoon of flour can help thicken the dough. You can also try chilling the dough slightly before baking.
Can I use brown sugar in Chewy Sugar Cookies?
Yes! Substituting half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar adds moisture and enhances chewiness.
What makes Chewy Sugar Cookies different from regular ones?
Chewy sugar cookies typically have a higher fat content and less flour, resulting in a softer texture compared to traditional crisp cookies.
Can I customize my Chewy Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
These chewy sugar cookies are not just perfect for Christmas but also great year-round! With their soft texture and delightful sweetness, they cater to various tastes. You can easily customize these cookies with toppings or mix-ins. Try this recipe today and enjoy every bite!
Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of homemade Chewy Sugar Cookies, a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! These cookies boast a soft, chewy texture and are effortlessly sweet, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a simple no-chill dough made from pantry staples, you can whip them up in no time. Elevate your baking by adding festive frostings or glazes for a personal touch. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these scrumptious sugary delights that will surely become a favorite!
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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–11 minutes until slightly soft in the center. Allow to cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
