Extra Chewy Sugar Cookies with Crisp Edges

If you love sugar cookies that strike the perfect balance between chewy centers and crisp, golden edges, you’re in the right place. These extra chewy sugar cookies with crisp edges are a bakery-style dream—flavorful, buttery, and irresistibly soft in the middle while still offering that satisfying snap around the perimeter.

This recipe uses a strategic combination of brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and vanilla to create a cookie that’s rich, caramel-scented, and deeply satisfying. Unlike classic cut-out sugar cookies, these are drop-style cookies, meaning they spread slightly, caramelize beautifully, and develop an ideal chewy texture inside.

They’re perfect for Christmas parties, holiday dessert platters, school treats, cookie jars, and anytime cravings. Chewy sugar cookies trend every year because they’re universally loved, incredibly simple to make, and consistently delicious. Whether you’re baking for guests, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of hot chocolate, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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What Makes These Sugar Cookies Extra Chewy?

Brown Sugar

The molasses in brown sugar attracts moisture, giving the cookie its signature chewiness.

Melted Butter

Using melted—not softened—butter helps create a denser, chewier texture rather than a fluffy one.

Lower Baking Temperature

Baking at a slightly lower temperature helps the cookies spread before setting, creating soft centers.

High Moisture-to-Flour Ratio

More wet ingredients = softer centers without losing structure.

Proper Cooling

Cooling on the baking sheet allows the centers to finish setting while staying chewy.

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Ingredients for Chewy Sugar Cookies with Crisp Edges

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Extra granulated sugar for rolling

• Cinnamon sugar for a warm twist

• White chocolate chips

• Sprinkles for holiday versions

These ingredients work together to create the iconic chewy texture and golden edges.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt butter gently until fully liquified.
Cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg later.

Step 2: Combine Melted Butter and Sugars

Whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Mix

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
Do not overmix—overworking the dough leads to firm cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Chill for 30–60 minutes.
Chilling keeps cookies from overspreading while still allowing soft centers.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Scoop dough into balls (1–2 tablespoons each).
Optionally roll in granulated sugar for sparkle and crispness.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–12 minutes.
Cookies should appear slightly underbaked in the middle—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
This step locks in the chewy texture and crisp edges.

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Why Brown Sugar Is Essential

Brown sugar contains molasses, which:

• Adds moisture

• Creates chewiness

• Deepens flavor

• Encourages caramelization for golden edges

It’s the key ingredient in many bakery-style chewy cookies.

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Texture Breakdown

These chewy sugar cookies have a texture that feels professionally crafted:

• Soft, rich, chewy middle

• Buttery, crisp edges

• Slightly crinkled surfaces

• Smooth bite and satisfying density

• Deep vanilla and caramel-like notes

They’re everything a chewy sugar cookie should be.

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Flavor Enhancements and Variations

Cinnamon Chewy Sugar Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a cozy winter flavor.

Vanilla Almond Chewy Cookies

Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract for warmth.

White Chocolate Chewy Cookies

Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.

Citrus Chewy Cookies

Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Holiday Sprinkle Cookies

Fold holiday sprinkles directly into the dough.

Brown Butter Chewy Cookies

Brown half the butter for intense caramel flavor.

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Decorating Ideas

These cookies are drop cookies, and their naturally crinkled surfaces look beautiful on their own. But you can decorate them in festive and creative ways.

Rolling in Sugar

Adds shimmer and enhances crisp edges.

Drizzling with White Chocolate

Looks beautiful alongside the golden edges.

Frosting with Buttercream

Pipe soft swirls for a bakery-style finish.

Adding Holiday Sprinkles

Apply while cookies are warm for easy sticking.

Dipping in Glaze

A thin vanilla glaze adds shine and sweetness.

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Pairing Ideas

These cookies pair perfectly with:

• Hot chocolate

• Vanilla latte

• Chai tea

• Warm milk

• Peppermint tea

• Caramel drinks

Their caramel-like sweetness complements cozy winter beverages beautifully.

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Tips for Perfect Chewy Sugar Cookies

Do Not Overbake

Remove cookies when they look slightly underdone in the center.

Use Melted Butter

This is essential for the chewy texture.

Chill the Dough

Prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.

Weigh the Flour

Too much flour leads to cakey cookies instead of chewy ones.

Use High-Quality Vanilla

Since vanilla is a main flavor, good vanilla extract improves the final taste.

Cool Properly

Allow cookies to finish baking on the hot sheet.

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Holiday-Themed Ideas

These chewy sugar cookies shine during the winter season.

Christmas

Roll in red and green sanding sugar.
Drizzle with white chocolate.
Add candy cane crumbles on top.

Winter Aesthetic

Use neutral colors—white, beige, soft gold—for minimalistic cookie platters.

Cookie Gift Boxes

Stack cookies with parchment between layers to keep edges crisp.

Cookie Exchange Parties

These cookies travel well and stay soft for days.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 5–6 days.
Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.

Refrigeration

Not required; may dry out cookies.

Freezer Storage (Dough)

Freeze dough balls for 2 months.
Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Freezer Storage (Baked Cookies)

Freeze baked cookies for 2–3 months.
Thaw at room temp before serving.

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Make-Ahead Guide

Make Dough Ahead

Refrigerate for up to 72 hours.

Bake Ahead

Bake cookies 2–3 days before serving.

Freeze Ahead

Freeze dough balls ahead of holidays for stress-free baking.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Cookies Spread Too Much

• Dough wasn’t chilled

• Butter too hot

• Baking soda measurement incorrect

• Oven temperature too high

Solution: Chill dough longer or lower oven temperature slightly.

Cookies Turn Out Cakey

Too much flour was added.

Solution: Scoop flour lightly or weigh it.

Edges Aren’t Crisp

Bake an extra 1–2 minutes for more caramelization around the edges.

Cookies Too Hard

Overbaking is the most common cause.

Solution: Remove cookies at the first sign of golden edges.

Cookies Don’t Spread Enough

Dough may be too cold or too much flour added.

Solution: Let dough warm 5 minutes before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft and chewy in the middle, with crisp edges.

Can I make them thicker?
Yes—chill dough longer and make larger scoops.

Can I frost them?
Absolutely. Buttercream and glaze both work well.

Can kids help make these cookies?
Yes, the dough is easy and safe for kids to scoop and roll.

Can I use only white sugar?
You can, but the cookies will be less chewy and have less flavor.

Do I need a mixer?
No—a whisk and bowl are enough since butter is melted.

Do they work for holiday cookies?
Yes, they’re a top trending choice for cookie platters and parties.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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Expert Tips for Bakery-Style Results

• Use melted butter for chewiness

• Add brown sugar for moisture

• Chill dough for perfect spread

• Underbake slightly for the right texture

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet

• Use a cookie scoop for even baking

• Roll in sugar for extra crisp edges

With these tips, your cookies will rival those from high-end bakeries.

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Conclusion

These Extra Chewy Sugar Cookies with Crisp Edges combine everything cookie lovers dream of—soft, tender centers with edges that caramelize to golden perfection. They’re rich, buttery, deeply flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie platters, gifting, and everyday dessert cravings.

Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and bakery-worthy results make this recipe an absolute must-have for anyone who loves chewy sugar cookies. Whether you decorate them, roll them in sugar, or enjoy them warm from the oven, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new household favorite.