Chewy Sugar Cookies

Sometimes you don't need chocolate chips, fancy fillings, or three different kinds of candy to make a really good cookie.

Sometimes you just need a really, really good sugar cookie.

These Chewy Sugar Cookies are soft and buttery in the middle, slightly crisp around the edges, and coated in a little extra sugar before baking. They puff up in the oven, get those pretty crinkly edges, and stay wonderfully chewy in the center. They're simple, nostalgic, and exactly the kind of cookie I want sitting on my kitchen counter.

And because they're so simple, there's really no hiding behind a bunch of mix-ins here. These cookies have to do all the work themselves, and thankfully, they do. 😂

Why You'll Love These Cookies

• Soft and chewy centers.

• Lightly crisp, crinkly edges.

• Buttery and sweet without being overwhelming.

• Rolled in sugar for that classic sugar cookie finish.

• Made with simple pantry ingredients.

• No chilling required!

• Perfect for holidays, cookie trays, or an everyday baking craving.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Salted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

• Cornstarch

• Salt

You'll also need a little extra granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

Tips for Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies

Don't Overmix the Dough

Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until there are no streaks of flour remaining. Overmixing can develop the gluten and leave you with a tougher cookie.

We want chewy, not workout-for-your-jaw chewy.

Roll Them in Sugar

Don't skip this little step! Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar gives the cookies a sweet, slightly crisp exterior and makes them look extra pretty once they crinkle in the oven.

Give Them Space

Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. They'll spread as they bake, and nobody wants their cookies becoming one giant sugar cookie blob.

Unless you're into that sort of thing.

Pull Them Out While They're Still Soft

The edges should be set and crinkled, while the centers still look a little underdone.

Trust the process.

They'll finish baking on the hot cookie sheet.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

And if you want that freshly baked texture again, pop one in the microwave for a few seconds. It's a tiny bit of magic.

Final Thoughts

I think every baker needs a good sugar cookie recipe in their back pocket.

This is mine.

It's simple enough for a random Tuesday afternoon but delicious enough to make for a holiday cookie exchange. No complicated decorating, no fancy ingredients, and no waiting hours for the dough to chill.

Happy baking!