These chewy drop sugar cookies are sweet little bites of happiness! With a soft texture and buttery flavor, they are perfect for any time you need a treat.
Honestly, it’s hard to eat just one of these cookies! I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends—everyone seems to smile when they get one. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend which often works well in cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but the taste may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and helps create that lovely crinkle on the surface. Brown sugar can also be used for a slight molasses flavor and added moisture; just replace it in equal amounts.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture. For a vegan version, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a replacement!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Chewy?
The key to chewy cookies lies in your mixing technique and baking time. Here are some tips:
- When you cream the butter and sugar, make sure to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. This helps incorporate air for a nice texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour; mix just enough until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Only bake until the edges are set while keeping the centers soft. This is essential for that chewy bite.
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, as they continue to cook a bit while cooling.
These simple steps will ensure your cookies remain delightfully chewy every time!
Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10–12 minutes of baking. So, in under 30 minutes, you’ll have fresh, chewy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the dough. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft texture!
4. Add Egg and Flavor:
Once the butter and sugar are whipped together, add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; you want a soft dough with some lumps.
6. Form the Dough Balls:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers should remain soft and slightly puffy.
9. Cool Before Enjoying:
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Time to Enjoy:
Your cookies should have a lovely crackled surface and a soft, chewy center. Grab a glass of milk or your favorite beverage and enjoy your delicious homemade chewy drop sugar cookies!
Feel free to share these delightful treats with friends and family—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just note that the texture may vary slightly with different flours.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months—just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container!
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking to help soften it slightly.
What Can I Add to the Dough for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Just fold them into the dough before scooping.
