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Chewy Sugar Cookies

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These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a Christmas cookie staple, because this is a no chill sugar cookie recipe! The centers are soft and the edges are chewy, making this one of my favorite sugar cookie recipes of all time! 

classic sugar cookie recipe with soft insides

These easy Chewy Sugar Cookies are a family favorite, plus there is an easy step-by-step video to help you make the best sugar cookies ever!

Pin this recipe for later!

baked sugar cookies on cooling rack

A few years ago, I hit the jackpot of ugly Christmas sweaters.

For years (no exaggeration) I had been on a mission to find the perfect Christmas sweater (obviously, I have big dreams)–one that was a bit whimsy, filled with personality and obnoxiously, over-the-top Christmasy.

I had pretty lofty expectations, and I wasn’t all that hopeful I’d actually meet those expectations. BUT (you knew this was coming), I never expected I would find something that would actually exceed my expectations.

sugar cookies plated together on a bright white plate

At this hole-in-the-wall thrift store, I found this fantastically tacky, bright red sweater with cartoon cats decorating a tree with the words, “Meowy Christmas” written across the bottom.

The only thing that could make it better would be if the tree lit up.

Now, I’m pretty sure this was a handmade, one-of-a-kind sweater someone made for their cat-loving grandma. While I feel marginally guilty wearing it in jest when it was probably made in earnest, it’s probably the most comfortable thing I own.

And I wear it proudly during this season.

And proudly when I eat these chewy sugar cookies (that should be eaten with Peppermint Mocha Donuts, Peppermint Mochas, and Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes–I’d be just fine if the whole world was Peppermint-y and Mocha-y).

Guys, I’m practically a Christmas commercial.

chewy sugar cookies stacked on a gold polka dot plate

I feel like it’s Christmas law that sugar cookies (of any kind) should be consumed during the holiday season. 

It seems a little Scrooge-y and Grinch-like to skip out on a classic old fashioned sugar cookie like this, especially when you can top them with frosting (this easy sugar cookie frosting is the best!), decorate with royal icing, roll them in sprinkles or spread some peppermint ice cream in between them and call it a day. 

Whether you’re making cutout sugar cookies or warm spiced molasses sugar cookies, or something more like these traditional chewy sugar cookies, the holidays just wouldn’t be the holidays without a plate of sugar cookies (or you can bake a batch and give it to a neighbor!).

homemade sugar cookies on white plate

Classic Chewy Sugar Cookie Ingredients:

  • butter
  • sugar
  • flour
  • baking soda & baking powder
  • salt
  • vanilla extract
  • egg
  • optional: almond extract

This is one of my favorite things to bake, because even though it’s a basic sugar cookie dough recipe, it has the perfect balance of flavor. The cookies are buttery and sweet without being overly sweet, they are soft on the inside yet still chewy, and you can eat them plain or frost them. 

What Makes these sugar cookies chewy?

  • The granulated sugar makes these ultra chewy sugar cookies. Similar to a snickerdoodle, the sugar to butter ratio (among other things) yields a nice, buttery and chewy sugar cookie. 

What Makes these sugar cookies soft?

  • The combination of baking soda and baking powder play a key role in keeping these cookies really soft. Additionally, the egg here helps to add the right amount of moisture to the sugar cookie dough to keep them soft. 

When you put together what makes the cookies chewy and what makes the cookies soft, you’ve got the perfect balance of ingredients to make a perfect sugar cookie. 😉

 

 

chewy sugar cookies stacked on plate

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies Tips & Tricks:

1. First things first, in case you missed it up at the top of this post, this is a no chill sugar cookie recipe, meaning you can bake these cookies right away! 

2. Next, when rolling out the dough for this easy sugar cookie recipe, you do not have to flatten the dough before baking in the oven. The cookies will flatten as they bake (one of my favorite parts of this recipe and partially why I declare these the best sugar cookie recipe of my life!).

3. I roll each cookie dough ball in sugar before baking. However, you can roll them in sprinkles instead. Around Christmas, I roll them in red and green sprinkles. For Valentine’s Day, red and pink. 4th of July, red, white and blue. It’s a super simple way to make them festive without going to any extra work.

4. The recipe below calls for almond extract. You can 100% omit the almond extract, if you’d prefer. I happen to love how almond and vanilla extract taste together, and I think it really adds to the depth of flavor in these cookies. However, these taste great with just vanilla extract!

 

soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe

 

What Makes these the Best Sugar Cookies? 

  • For me, what I love about these soft and chewy sugar cookies is that this recipe is so easy. It’s just a handful of simple ingredients. You don’t have to plan ahead because you don’t have to chill the sugar cookie dough. Finally, you roll them into balls, roll them in granulated sugar (this makes a crisp sugar cookie bite that then leads into a soft, chewy and buttery sugar cookie bite). 
  • I love how versatile this recipe is in terms of decorating sugar cookies. You can leave them plain (who doesn’t love a plain, soft sugar cookie every now and again?!), you can frost them or fill them with sprinkles. 
  • In fact, we love using this particular sugar cookie recipe for cookie decorating gift baskets. We put the baked sugar cookies, a jar of homemade frosting and a variety of holiday sprinkles (whichever holiday you’re making these for) and deliver it to friends and neighbors for a fun afternoon of cookie decorating.

Rich, buttery, and chewy. Sugar done right.

 

5 from 31 votes
classic sugar cookie recipe with soft insides
Print
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
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!
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chewy sugar cookies
Servings: 3 Dozen
Author: Michelle
Ingredients
Chewy Sugar Cookies
  • 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
Topping
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for dipping
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or coat with baking spray).
  2. In a large bowl with a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

  3. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; beat until combined.

  4. 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.
  5. Roll dough into 1" balls, and roll in sugar.
  6. Place on baking sheet, about 2" apart. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until cookies have set.
  7. Allow to cool.
  8. Enjoy!
  9. Feel free to frost them or cover them with a glaze, if desired.
Recipe Notes

*Alternately, instead of rolling in sugar, you can roll each cookie dough ball in sprinkles and bake as normal. 

 

soft and chewy sugar cookies collage photo with text

 

Here are some other favorite cookie recipes:

Soft-Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies

Chewy Molasses Sugar Cookies

These chewy molasses sugar cookies are one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes! They are rich, chewy, and have just a hint of spice to make them perfect for the holidays!

Classic Snickerdoodles

homemade snickerdoodle cookies on a plate

 

Updated photos in 2019 (original photos below).

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!

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! 

 

 

Shared by Michelle

Comments

  1. Sabrina says

    December 16, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    My kids love sugar cookies! They’re going to devour these!

  2. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    December 18, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    5 stars
    We love chewy sugar cookies! These look perfect!

  3. Jen @ The Weary Chef says

    December 18, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    5 stars
    My kids love chewy cookies! They’ll surely enjoy this! I think I need to make a double batch for them.

  4. Melanie | Melanie Makes says

    December 18, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    These cookies look so soft and fluffy – in other words, perfect!

  5. Lora @savoringitaly says

    December 19, 2016 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    These are one of my favorite holiday cookies. I love how easy they come together and they’re so fluffy!!

  6. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    December 19, 2016 at 4:27 am

    5 stars
    Your ugly sweater sounds perfect, Michelle! I’ve been to my fair share of ugly sweater parties over the years,and it’s amazing to me how many people hunt for the ugliest sweater and sell them for lots of $$ on ebay (where I bought mine). Now onto these cookies…YES! Chewy sugar cookies are my number one favorite, they even beat chocolate chippers. These look perfect, Michelle!

  7. Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says

    December 19, 2016 at 7:42 am

    5 stars
    I love how soft and pillowy these look….perfect for sinking your teeth into!

  8. Jess says

    February 3, 2017 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for the recipe! I made these with my daughter for my niece as a “get better soon” snack after breaking her arm. She loved them! We substituted almond extract with cherry, added pink food coloring and pink sprinkles as well!

  9. Erika says

    February 26, 2017 at 6:32 am

    5 stars
    I made a half-batch of these, and I added Lime Zest and juice and they are the softest, most delicate cookies ever!! Love love love!

    • Michelle says

      February 27, 2017 at 11:50 am

      Yay! I am so glad you loved them, Erika! ❤️ Thank you!

  10. Skyler says

    May 11, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    OMG!! Made these for my daughter’s birthday and they were the best! Super soft yet chewy and so good with frosting!

    • Stephanie Snack says

      January 31, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      Yes! That’s exactly how I served mine! With home made cream cheese icing. Light and fluffy, both the cookies and the icing.

  11. Jess says

    May 11, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    Best recipe I have used!

  12. Marissa says

    May 15, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    5 stars
    These are really awesome, thanks for sharing. Glad I discovered this recipe! I do half of the recipe rolled in sugar, half with a few M&Ms on top 🙂

  13. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

    May 19, 2017 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    These look so good, just begging to let my kids frost them!

  14. Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

    May 19, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    5 stars
    Such a perfectly moist cookies!

  15. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    May 19, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    5 stars
    Fabulous texture on these beauties!

  16. Jenna says

    June 24, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    5 stars
    These were bomb!

  17. aubriana says

    June 28, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    5 stars
    Cooked these with my sisters and they turned out super fluffy they are like clouds not really the flat cookies I was expecting but they are delicious.

  18. Sarah says

    September 24, 2017 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    These cookies are amazingly delicate and light, which is exactly what I was hoping they would be – thank you very much for sharing!

  19. Lisa N Gregory says

    September 28, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    5 stars
    Simply delish!!!!

  20. Sherry says

    October 25, 2017 at 11:01 am

    5 stars
    These are sooooo delicious. I didn’t have any vanilla extract so i used almond exxtract. This recipe is quick, easy & delicious!!

  21. Tati says

    October 28, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    5 stars
    The cookies were a little to cake like! I specifically wanted chewy cookies but they were like a fluffy cake like sweet biscuit. overall pretty good recipe.

  22. Jess says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this recipe without the almond. Super simple and they came out delicious and fluffy! I actually flattened half of them to make them look like flat circles rather than fluffy mounds. But both tasted delicious! Thanks!

  23. Shannon says

    November 27, 2017 at 7:28 am

    5 stars
    These are ah-maz-ing! Was going to give them away for Xmas tins. Do you know how long they’ll last in an airtight container? Thanks!

  24. Broobs says

    December 10, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    5 stars
    Really good ! I might add sprinkles next time and not use salted butter as well because mine were a bit salty.

  25. Sarah Morales says

    December 19, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    5 stars
    I know this recipe does not need to be refrigerated but can you? Also how long do the cookies once made last for?

  26. Tina says

    December 21, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    Great cookies,but I would say you should smash them just a bit

  27. Cody says

    January 9, 2018 at 10:45 pm

    5 stars
    I love these cookies. I made them this year for Christmas and had to make another batch this month because I missed them so much. However, mine turn out too flat, spreading on the pan. Any advise? Maybe I will add more flour next time.

  28. Julia kuhn says

    February 11, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    5 stars
    Just made these and added salted carmel loose tea from 2 tea bags…..delicious….would be good with Earl Grey or orange tea in them also…great recipe.

  29. J.D. says

    February 12, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! I needed something fast but delicious. I’ve tried quite a few sugar cookie recipies throughout my 5 years as a mom, but this one was a major hit! They were definitely soft and chewy. Thank you!

    • Michelle says

      February 14, 2018 at 9:55 am

      Thank you so much, J.D.! I am so glad you e joyed them! ❤️

  30. Claire says

    April 5, 2018 at 10:44 am

    5 stars
    Do you have to press these down at all before baking? Or simply bake them in ball shape? They look great!

    • Michelle says

      April 6, 2018 at 12:15 am

      Thanks, Claire! You do not have to press down on them–they will flatten as they bake!

      • peg says

        April 25, 2018 at 3:43 pm

        5 stars
        I don’t know why but mine didn’t flatten. They’re really cute and pretty, but I’m wondering if there’s something I’m missingg?

        • Michelle says

          April 28, 2018 at 12:40 pm

          Hi Peg! I’m not 100% certain, but if there was too much flour in the batter or if the baking soda/baking powder was expired, the cookies might not flatten. I’ve never had this problem before, but those would be my best guesses! Hope that helps!

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I'm Michelle and this is where you'll witness my baking addiction. I bleed coffee and breathe sugar. Come join me as I journey through life one recipe at a time! READ MORE
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