Chewy Sugar Cookies Soft Bake

This chewy sugar cookie recipe has become the gold standard in my kitchen, producing irresistibly soft and chewy sugar cookies with perfectly crisp edges every time. Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, this easy chewy sugar cookie recipe uses pantry staples and just one mixing bowl for minimal fuss and unbeatable results that never fail. Whether you are baking for holidays, bake sales, or a weeknight treat, you will love how these bakery style chewy sugar cookies turn out time after time.

I developed this chewy sugar cookie recipe after years of searching for just the right texture and flavor, using countless test batches until I found the secret combination. The addition of a hint of almond extract adds a subtle depth, and now my family requests these soft and chewy sugar cookies nearly every week. They are consistently the first treat to vanish at potlucks and gatherings, and even friends who claim not to like sugar cookies come back for seconds of this recipe.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter, softened: Use real unsalted butter at room temperature for creaming; this ensures maximum fluffiness and rich flavor. If needed, plant-based butter can be used for dairy-free cookies with a slight texture change.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and the signature crackly tops on these easy chewy sugar cookies. Substitute with fine cane sugar if necessary, but avoid coarse sugars for best results.
• Egg: The whole egg binds the dough and gives the cookies stability; use large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Key for classic flavor, so use pure vanilla if possible; imitation can work in a pinch but depth of flavor is greater with the real thing.
• Almond extract (optional): Adds a bakery-style nuance that elevates chewy sugar cookies; can be omitted or replaced with lemon or coconut extract for different variations.
• All-purpose flour: The base that creates chewy centers and sturdy edges; measure by spooning into cups and leveling for accuracy, or use a 1:1 gluten-free blend as a substitute.
• Baking soda and baking powder: The combination controls spread and lift, resulting in the ideal chewy sugar cookie texture; make sure your leaveners are fresh for reliable results.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and drawing out the vanilla and almond flavors. Kosher salt works best but table salt is acceptable.
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Roll the dough balls for a sparkly appearance and satisfying crunch. Colored or flavored sugars can be used for special occasions or festive cookies.

How to Make the Best Chewy Sugar Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets and Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup much easier. Proper oven temperature is crucial for cookies to spread and set with both crispy edges and soft centers.

Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1¼ cups of sugar on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is very light, fluffy, and pale. Proper creaming incorporates air, creating cookies that are chewy with just the right rise, so do not rush this step.

Mix in Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat on medium until the mixture is glossy and fully blended, about 30 to 45 seconds. The mixture should look smooth and homogenous, helping the cookies retain moisture for their signature chewiness.

Add Dry Ingredients Carefully:

Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low only until no visible flour remains, about 30 to 45 seconds; overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough is cohesive and thick.

Shape and Coat Dough:

Form the dough into 1 inch balls using clean hands or a small scoop for uniform size. Roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to coat, creating the signature sparkly crust and slight crunch when baked.

Bake and Monitor:

Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes until edges look set but centers remain puffy and slightly underbaked. This underbaked look is essential for the chewy texture; the cookies set as they cool.

Cool and Finish (Optional):

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to prevent breakage, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. If desired, frost after completely cooled or add decorative sprinkles or glazes for extra flair.

When I first experimented with almond extract in this chewy sugar cookie recipe, my husband immediately asked what made them taste so unforgettable. That subtle nutty note transforms these cookies from homemade to bakery-quality, and it has quickly become a family favorite that even reluctant cookie fans come to love. Now, these easy sugar cookies have become our go-to for holidays, birthdays, and spontaneous weeknight treats alike.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This easy chewy sugar cookie recipe is a flexible base for all kinds of delicious cookie variations. For a fresh citrus kick, add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough and use lemon extract instead of almond. Celebrate the holidays by rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or nonpareils, or make a fall-inspired version by adding cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the sugar coating. Chocolate lovers can stir ½ cup mini chips into the dough, while a browned butter swap will deepen the cookie's flavor and add a nutty aroma for an extra special twist.

How to Store and Reheat Chewy Sugar Cookies

Once completely cool, store your chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies soft for up to 5 days. To freeze, stack baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip bag for up to 3 months. For on-demand cookies, freeze raw dough balls on a sheet, then transfer to freezer bags; bake directly from frozen by adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time for fresh cookies anytime.

What to Serve with Chewy Sugar Cookies

Chewy sugar cookies are wonderfully versatile and pair well with classic beverages like milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. Serve them at afternoon tea or dessert platters with other cookies, brownies, or fresh fruit for balance and variety. During special occasions, use these cookies as a base for simple ice cream sandwiches or add them to a cookie board for festive gatherings where everyone can enjoy their favorite sweet flavors together.

Nutritional Benefits

While chewy sugar cookies should be enjoyed as a sweet treat, they are made with real food ingredients like butter, eggs, and flour, and contain no artificial preservatives. Using real butter provides a satisfying richness and essential fat soluble vitamins, while the egg contributes a touch of protein. Adaptable with gluten free or dairy free ingredients, you can adjust the base cookie recipe for various health needs. Each chewy sugar cookie contains about 183 calories, making them a reasonable indulgence when eaten in moderation.

Recipe Success Tips

If your chewy sugar cookies spread too thin, the butter may have been too soft or too little flour was added. Chill dough balls for 30 minutes if necessary or double check your oven temperature. If cookies are overly puffy, gently flatten dough balls before baking. Always use room temperature butter and eggs and measure your flour accurately for consistent chewy results. For evenly golden cookies, rotate pans halfway through baking and let baking sheets cool between batches.

These chewy sugar cookies have become my signature dessert, making appearances at every family event and holiday party. I hope this recipe brings you bakery quality cookies and sweet memories shared around your own kitchen table!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I achieve a chewy texture?

Creaming butter and sugar thoroughly, then baking just until set, keeps cookies tender and chewy. Avoid overbaking for best results.

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. Expect slight differences in taste and softness.

→ Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract adds depth, but you can leave it out for a classic vanilla flavor or substitute another extract if preferred.

→ Can these cookies be frosted or glazed?

Yes, they hold up well to frosting or a simple glaze—ideal for decorating or adding a festive touch for holidays or special occasions.

→ How should I store leftover cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.