These chewy drop sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for any occasion, they bring a smile with every bite.
The best part? They are super easy to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. I love to enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk! 🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter because it lets me control the salt content. If you’re out, coconut oil or margarine can work too, though the texture may vary slightly.
Granulated sugar: The sweetness of these cookies comes from granulated sugar. If you’re aiming for a less sweet version, try using 1 cup of brown sugar instead for a deeper flavor.
Egg: For an egg substitute, use a “flax egg” by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Sprinkles: These are optional, but they add a fun touch! You can skip them or use different types of decorations, like coarse sugar or colored sugar, to match your occasion!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Chewy Texture?
Getting that chewy bite is key for these cookies! Here are my tips:
- **Do not overmix:** When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- **Chill the dough:** If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and can improve their texture.
- **Watch the baking time:** Cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them. They will firm up as they cool but stay chewy inside!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delightful chewy sugar cookies ready to impress everyone!
Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 8-10 minutes of baking time. Allow for an additional 5 minutes of cooling before tasting your delicious cookies. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly right from the start. While the oven warms, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together well. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, which is crucial for a good rise.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Mix it for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create that lovely chewy texture in your cookies!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay! This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them. This will give your cookies a nice sparkling finish!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball. If you wish, press some sprinkles on top of each cookie for an extra fun touch.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still feel soft to the touch. They’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their chewy texture.
10. Enjoy!
Finally, enjoy your chewy drop sugar cookies! They are perfect served with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Each bite will be soft, chewy, and sweet with a hint of vanilla goodness. Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that brown sugar will make the cookies a bit more moist due to its molasses content.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make vegan chewy sugar cookies, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and replace the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mix.
Why Are My Cookies Spreading Too Much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter, or the dough may be too warm. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is just softened, not melted!