The Ultimate Easy No-Chill Sugar Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Any Occasion

These Easy Sugar Cookies are incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and require absolutely no dough chilling, making them the perfect effortless treat for any holiday or everyday craving.

There’s something truly magical about a homemade sugar cookie. It evokes memories of childhood, celebrations, and cozy moments shared with loved ones. Over the years, I’ve delighted in sharing some of my most cherished classic cookie recipes, including my beloved snickerdoodles, convenient no-bake cookies, and the ever-popular peanut butter cookies. Now, with the festive season often around the corner, or simply when a craving for a timeless treat strikes, I couldn’t wait to introduce you to another absolute favorite: these homemade sugar cookies.

What makes this particular sugar cookie recipe stand out is its incredible simplicity and efficiency. You won’t need to spend hours waiting for the dough to chill in the refrigerator, which is a game-changer when you need a quick batch of cookies. These cookies are consistently soft, delightfully chewy, and possess that classic, comforting flavor that makes them perfect to enjoy throughout the entire year, regardless of the occasion.

Their versatility is another reason to love them. You can easily customize them with different colors of sprinkles to match any holiday theme – think vibrant reds and greens for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or spooky oranges and blacks for Halloween. I’ve even included a comprehensive section with several creative ways to adapt this recipe, allowing you to truly make these delectable sugar cookies your very own signature bake! Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Sugar Cookies

This recipe for easy sugar cookies truly is a breeze to put together. I particularly appreciate that you can achieve such incredibly flavorful, soft, and chewy results without needing any exotic or specialized ingredients. Chances are, you already have most of these staples in your pantry right now! Let’s dive into what makes each component crucial for these delightful treats.

• Unsalted Butter: My go-to choice for almost all baking. The reason I stick with unsalted butter is simple: it allows me to control the exact amount of salt in my cookies. The salt content in salted butter can vary significantly between different brands, which can subtly alter the overall flavor balance of your bake. By using unsalted butter, you gain precision. Remember, for the best results, your butter should be softened to room temperature – not melted, but pliable enough to make an indentation with your finger. If salted butter is all you have on hand, don’t fret! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a tiny pinch or about 1/8 teaspoon.
• Granulated Sugar: While many of my cookie recipes feature the rich, caramel notes of brown sugar, for these classic sugar cookies, we’re embracing the clean, sweet taste and crisp-chewy texture that only granulated sugar can provide. It’s the star of the show! You’ll want to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light and tender texture, ensuring they’re well combined and fluffy before you add the remaining wet ingredients.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: Through testing, I discovered that using just one whole egg resulted in a dough that was a little too dry, leading to cookies that lacked that desired chewiness. The addition of an extra large egg yolk is the secret weapon here. It introduces more fat and moisture without adding excess liquid, yielding a wonderfully tender and chewy cookie. Don’t let the leftover egg white go to waste! You can discard it, or better yet, save it for another delicious recipe like these candied pecans or an omelet.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: For that signature, comforting sugar cookie flavor, pure vanilla extract is indispensable. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that truly elevates these simple cookies. Using a good quality vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structure and base of our sugar cookies. Accurate measurement of flour is absolutely critical for cookie baking, especially with this dough, which is designed to be thick yet manageable. To avoid dry, dense cookies, it’s vital to measure your flour correctly using the “spoon and level” method. Simply spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the straight edge of a knife or an offset spatula to level it off without compacting it. I have a detailed post explaining how to use the spoon and level method here for perfect results every time.
• Baking Powder & Salt: These two ingredients play crucial supporting roles. Baking powder provides the necessary lift, giving the cookies a lovely, slightly puffed appearance and a tender crumb. The salt, though a small amount, is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting bland or overly sugary. It truly brings out the best in every bite.

How to Bake Perfect Sugar Cookies From Scratch in Minutes

Making these soft and chewy sugar cookies from scratch is a surprisingly quick and satisfying process, especially since there’s no need to chill the dough. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delightful homemade treats that are ready in no time!

Step 1: Creaming the Wet Ingredients. Begin by placing your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a handheld electric mixer, beat these two ingredients together on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process is essential as it incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ final texture. Next, add the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, and the pure vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is fully incorporated. It’s a good practice to stop your mixer periodically and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl. This ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and no pockets of unmixed butter or sugar remain, leading to a consistent dough.

Step 2: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (remember to spoon and level it!), baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will promote an even rise and flavor in your cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches. Mix on low speed, just until combined after each addition. The cookie dough will initially appear a little crumbly and dry, which is perfectly normal. Resist the urge to add more liquid! As you continue to mix, the dough will come together, forming a thick, soft, and pliable consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.

Step 3: Preparing for Baking. Once your dough is ready, it’s time to scoop it onto your prepared baking sheets. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which ensures even baking. Arrange the balls of dough on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. I’ve found that these cookies tend to bake up quite thick if left as perfect spheres. For a more traditional sugar cookie shape and to encourage them to spread beautifully and evenly, I highly recommend gently pressing down on each scooped ball of cookie dough with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. This slight flattening helps the cookies achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture with slightly crisp edges.

Step 4: Baking and Cooling. Pop your baking sheets into a preheated oven (350°F or 177°C). The cookies will take approximately 10 to 13 minutes to bake. You’ll know they’re perfectly done when the tops appear set, no longer look wet or shiny, and the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t wait for the centers to brown, as this can lead to dry cookies. They will continue to set as they cool. Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. This critical cooling period allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and completing the setting process for that ideal soft and chewy texture.

Creative Recipe Variations to Customize Your Sugar Cookies

This core recipe yields a truly delightful, simple sugar cookie that’s perfect on its own. However, these easy no-chill sugar cookies are also a fantastic canvas for creativity! If you’re looking to add a little extra flair or a different flavor profile to your batch, here are some wonderful suggestions to inspire you:

• Almond Extract Boost: For a more complex and subtly nutty flavor that many adore in sugar cookies, try swapping out 1/2 teaspoon of the pure vanilla extract for 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. The almond extract adds a sophisticated touch that complements the sweetness beautifully without overpowering it.
• White Chocolate & Candy Cane Delight: Perfect for the holiday season! Once your baked cookies have cooled completely, melt some high-quality white chocolate. You can then dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, or simply drizzle it artistically over the tops. Immediately after, sprinkle with finely crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and a refreshing minty burst.
• Sprinkle Fun: Who doesn’t love sprinkles? To add a pop of color and a bit of playful texture, mix 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of your favorite sprinkles directly into the cookie dough during the final stages of mixing. Rainbow sprinkles are always a hit, but feel free to use holiday-themed sprinkles (like red and green for Christmas or pastels for spring) to match any occasion.
• Luxurious Frosting Toppings: Elevate your sugar cookies with a generous dollop of homemade frosting. These soft and chewy cookies pair exceptionally well with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, a classic, smooth, and sweet buttercream frosting can transform them into an elegant dessert. Feel free to color your frosting to further enhance the festive appeal!
• Citrus Zest Infusion: For a bright and zesty twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon, orange, or lime zest to the wet ingredients along with the vanilla extract. The citrus oils will infuse the cookies with a refreshing aroma and flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Before baking, roll the flattened cookie dough balls in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for a snickerdoodle-like variation with a pleasant spice and sparkly crust.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: While not traditional for sugar cookies, a 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips (white chocolate or semi-sweet) can be folded into the dough for a delightful texture and flavor addition that appeals to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sugar Cookies

How to Store These Delicious Cookies

To maintain their incredible softness and chewiness, it’s crucial to store your homemade sugar cookies properly. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delightful at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the moisture from the bread will help keep the cookies soft (just remember to replace the bread every couple of days).

Can I Freeze These Cookies for Later Enjoyment?

Absolutely! These easy sugar cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, both as dough and as baked cookies, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, flatten them slightly as per the recipe, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can either thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Fully baked and completely cooled sugar cookies also freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies to room temperature on your kitchen counter. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day they were baked!

Why Are My Sugar Cookies Spreading Too Much?

Excessive spreading can be frustrating! Common culprits include: 1) Butter that is too soft or melted, not just room temperature. 2) Too little flour (ensure you’re spooning and leveling). 3) Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten. 4) An oven that isn’t hot enough (always preheat thoroughly and consider an oven thermometer). 5) Baking on warm cookie sheets.

Can I Make These Sugar Cookies Gluten-Free?

While this recipe is developed with all-purpose flour, you can often adapt it to be gluten-free. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but they should still be wonderfully soft and chewy. Start with the same quantity and adjust if the dough feels too wet or too dry.

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try!

If you’ve loved these easy sugar cookies, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic cookie recipes, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the year!

• Classic Soft & Chewy Snickerdoodles
• Indulgent Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Hearty Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Nostalgic Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Delicate Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
• Buttery & Simple Shortbread Cookies