If you have a sweet tooth and crave that perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy centers, this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine sugar cookies with a delicate vanilla undertone, packed with melty chocolate chips, and a satisfying sprinkle of crunchy sugar coating each bite. It’s a cookie that’s simple to make yet extraordinary in taste, bringing warmth and joy with every single cookie. Whether it’s for an afternoon treat, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are bound to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe relies on basic pantry staples that combine to create a wonderfully textured and flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays its part, from the richness of butter to the subtle tang from the cream of tartar, ensuring your cookies come out with just the right chew and golden color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds creaminess and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For a soft sweetness that melts into the cookie’s texture.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a classic vanilla aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie, providing body and softness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Gives a subtle tang and contributes to that ideal chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The delicious pockets of gooey chocolate that make these cookies irresistible.
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle on the outside.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by beating softened butter with powdered and light brown sugars in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed. This process, taking about 10 minutes, is essential to infuse air into the dough, making the cookies delightfully light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugars are pale and fluffy, beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract just until combined. This adds moisture, richness, and that wonderful vanilla flavor that sets the tone for your cookies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This mix will ensure even distribution of your leavening agents and salt throughout the dough. Gradually add this to your butter mixture and mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill
Gently fold in the chocolate chips to make sure they are evenly spread without breaking. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading when baked, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies brown evenly.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough, rolling each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. The sugar coating gives a beautiful sparkle and a lovely crunchy texture on the outside once baked. Leave at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the tops remain light. This timing is perfect for achieving that tender center and crisp edge combo. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an irresistible finishing touch. Adding a touch of edible glitter or colored sugar crystals can make them festive for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm cookies with a classic glass of cold milk, a creamy hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combinations highlight the cookie’s sweet flavors and add a cozy, comforting vibe to your treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a beautiful tray with fresh berries and mint leaves for a bright, inviting look. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a swipe of buttercream or Nutella for a fun twist that lets you reinvent this beloved recipe every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture and prevents the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze cookie dough balls after rolling them in sugar for convenient baking later. Place the dough balls on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Cookies can be baked directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, warm them in a 300-degree F oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked softness and melt the chocolate chips perfectly again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the light brown sugar with dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used and will add a deeper molasses flavor, slightly intensifying the cookie’s richness without changing the texture much.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar acts as a mild acid that reacts with baking soda to help leaven the cookies, resulting in a tender texture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for best results. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
How long can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Chilling longer enhances flavor and improves texture, so feel free to bake fresh batches throughout the day.
What’s the best way to ensure evenly sized cookies?
Using a medium cookie scoop helps keep the cookie size consistent, which ensures even baking and uniform appearance every time.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that feels both nostalgic and fresh, offering a simple yet rewarding baking experience. Once you try it, these cookies will likely become a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing, gift-giving, or indulging in your sweetest moments.
Print
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip sugar cookies that combine the rich flavor of butter and brown sugar with classic chocolate chips. Perfectly rolled in granulated sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For Rolling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Add the butter and both powdered and brown sugars to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 10 minutes, scraping down the sides periodically until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Chill: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll it in granulated sugar. Place the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown while the tops remain light in color.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened but not melted.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven for a chewy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to 5 days.
- Using parchment paper aids in easy cookie removal and cleanup.
