Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies are a treat that combines sweetness with a soft, chewy texture. They’re super easy to make, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk!
These cookies never last long in my house—they’re just too good! I love making a big batch and watching them disappear. Everyone can’t resist that warm, sugary goodness! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for flavor control. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but the cookies may taste a bit different. I always prefer using real butter for the best flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes these cookies sweet and helps create that lovely crinkled surface. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, you can use coconut sugar instead; just note that the cookies might be a little darker in color.
Egg: One large egg helps bind everything together. If you’re making these cookies vegan, substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit for a few minutes).
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve had great results with that!
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you don’t have it, almond extract can be a nice alternative for a different twist!
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar properly is essential to achieving light, fluffy cookies. Start with softened butter—that’s room temperature butter, not melted. This lets air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.
- Don’t rush this step; lazily creamed butter results in dense cookies!
Feel free to experiment a little with these tips, and enjoy baking your Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies! 🍪
Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: colorful sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking, plus a little time for cooling. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your cookies in about 30 minutes, but do allow an extra few minutes for cooling before biting into them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep those cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is important because it adds air to the dough, making your cookies nice and chewy!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Mix until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which makes the cookies rise perfectly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those cookies soft and chewy!
6. Shape the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll each portion into a ball with your hands. It should be about the size of a golf ball.
7. Roll in Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to give them a lovely sweet coating. Place the sugar-coated balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they will spread a little while baking.
8. Add Sprinkles (Optional):
If you want your cookies to look even more festive, gently press some colorful sprinkles onto the top of the dough balls. This adds a fun touch!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked. They’ll crack on the surface, giving them that classic look.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cooled, gather your loved ones and enjoy these soft, chewy sugar cookies with a big glass of milk or your favorite tea!
Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Substitute Ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine, though it may alter the flavor slightly. For a vegan option, substitute with coconut oil or applesauce. Like to make it gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour!
How Do I Keep the Cookies From Spreading Too Much?
To prevent excess spreading, make sure your butter is just softened and not melted. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain the cookie shape during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Mix-ins to These Cookies?
Of course! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before baking. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins can affect the texture, so use moderation! About a cup of mix-ins should work well.
