Chewy sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of sweetness to any moment. They are soft, tender, and have a lovely, subtle flavor that pleases everyone. Perfect for family gatherings, school events, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are easy to whip up and are always a hit.

Why You Will Love This Chewy Sugar Cookies

These cookies are an absolute delight for the whole family. They are easy to make, with everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The prep is quick, so you can bake a batch anytime the cravings hit. Plus, they have a lovely chewy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more!

How to Make Chewy Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward process. You’ll mix the ingredients until they come together, roll the dough into small balls, and bake them in the oven. There’s no fuss and no need for special equipment. Just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet!

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or coat with baking spray).
In a large bowl with a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; beat until combined.
Add in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl every now and again.
Roll dough into 1″ balls, and roll in sugar.
Place on baking sheet, about 2″ apart. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until cookies have set.
Allow to cool. Enjoy! Feel free to frost them or cover them with a glaze, if desired.

How to Serve Chewy Sugar Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a glass of milk. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. If you feel adventurous, try adding a light frosting or glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness. They make for great treats at birthday parties or holiday gatherings too!

How to Store Chewy Sugar Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them; just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a sealed bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying again.

Recipe Tips

Use softened butter for easy mixing.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Swap out vanilla extract for other flavors like lemon or almond for a different twist.
If you’re making a big batch, use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.

Variations & Swaps

Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in some chocolate chips for a rich addition.
Fun Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the dough for a festive look, perfect for birthdays!
Spiced Cookies: Mix in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just roll the dough into balls and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes.

How do I reheat the cookies?
If you need to reheat the cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes until they are soft again.

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract entirely or substitute it with more vanilla extract for a simple adjustment.

What’s the best way to avoid flat cookies?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the flour. Chill the dough if you notice it’s too warm before baking.