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Best-Ever Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe
These chewy sugar cookies are soft in the center, lightly golden around the edges, and full of buttery vanilla-almond flavor. They come together with simple pantry ingredients, making them a satisfying treat for holidays, bake sales, cookie swaps, or everyday cravings.
Quick Overview
- Prep time: Not provided
- Cook time: Not provided
- Total time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture: The cookies stay tender in the center while the edges become lightly golden.
- Simple ingredients: Everything comes together with familiar baking staples.
- Rich flavor: Butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract create a fragrant, bakery-style taste.
- Easy to customize: Serve them plain, add frosting, or try one of the flavor variations below.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, airy base for the cookies.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the flour disappears so the cookies remain tender.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between the portions so the cookies can spread as they bake.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft when you remove the cookies from the oven.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve plain or frosted as desired.
How to Serve It
- Enjoy the cookies plain with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
- Frost the cooled cookies with vanilla, almond, or buttercream frosting.
- Add colorful sprinkles before serving for a festive treat or cookie-party dessert.
How to Store It
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To help maintain their chewy texture, place parchment paper between layers if the cookies are frosted.
For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you prefer them slightly warm, reheat them briefly until just warmed through, taking care not to overheat them and dry them out.
Helpful Tips
- Use softened butter: Softened butter creams more smoothly with the sugars and helps create the right cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough: Mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined to help keep the cookies tender.
- Watch the baking time closely: Remove the cookies when the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will continue to set as the cookies cool.
Optional Variations
- Add a citrus note: Mix in a small amount of finely grated lemon or orange zest for a bright flavor.
- Use a different extract: Replace the almond extract with additional vanilla extract if you prefer a classic vanilla sugar cookie.
- Add decorations: Frost the cooled cookies and finish with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or finely chopped nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
Yes. Replace it with additional vanilla extract for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers can still look soft when the cookies come out of the oven.
Why should I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet first?
The cookies continue setting as they cool. Letting them rest for a few minutes helps them firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack.
Can I frost these sugar cookies?
Yes. Allow the cookies to cool before adding frosting so the frosting stays smooth and does not melt.
How can I keep the cookies chewy?
Store them in an airtight container after they have cooled completely, and avoid overbaking them.
Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are soft in the center with a lightly golden edge, made from simple pantry ingredients and full of rich buttery vanilla-almond flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is soft for easy mixing.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
Baking
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Centers may still appear soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
