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Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are soft in the center, lightly golden around the edges, and full of buttery sweetness. A touch of vanilla and almond extract gives them a delicious bakery-style flavor, while optional frosting makes them perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
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 combination of butter and brown sugar helps create tender cookies with satisfying chew.
- Simple ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and straightforward preparation.
- Rich, classic flavor: Vanilla and almond extracts add depth to the sweet, buttery dough.
- Easy to customize: Enjoy the cookies plain or finish them with your favorite frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Frosting (optional)
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the flour.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, airy base for the cookie dough.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies less tender.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each portion 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, which helps the cookies retain their chewy texture as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set while keeping them soft.
If desired, frost the cookies once they are completely cool. Applying frosting after cooling prevents it from melting or sliding off.
How to Serve It
- Serve the cookies with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
- Frost them with a simple sweet topping for birthdays, holidays, or dessert trays.
- Add them to a cookie platter alongside brownies, shortbread, or other classic treats.
How to Store It
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them tightly covered helps preserve their soft, chewy texture.
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze them. Separate layers with parchment paper to help prevent sticking. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
If the cookies become slightly firm, warm them gently rather than overheating them. A short amount of gentle warming can help soften the texture, but frosted cookies should be handled carefully so the frosting does not melt.
Helpful Tips
- Use softened butter, not melted butter, so the dough creams properly with the sugars.
- Mix the dough only until the dry ingredients are just combined to help keep the cookies tender.
- Remove the cookies when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look soft. They will continue to set on the baking sheet.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them.
Optional Variations
- Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or sprinkle them over the frosting for a festive finish.
- Use citrus zest for a bright flavor twist that complements the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Replace the optional frosting with a light drizzle or decorate the cooled cookies with additional toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep sugar cookies chewy?
Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake the cookies. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look soft.
Can I frost these sugar cookies?
Yes. Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting so the topping stays in place.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Butter that is too warm or overmixing the dough can contribute to excessive spreading. Use softened butter and mix the ingredients only until combined.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
Yes. You can omit the almond extract if preferred. The cookies will still have a delicious vanilla-butter flavor.
How should I freeze the cookies?
Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are soft in the center, lightly golden around the edges, and full of buttery sweetness with a delicious bakery-style flavor from vanilla and almond extracts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened, not melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract Optional
Optional Topping
- Frosting Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
Baking
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost the cookies once completely cooled, if desired.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Can freeze for longer storage; thaw before serving. Warm gently if cookies firm up.
