Soft, Chewy & Sweet with Golden Edges
🎉 Introduction
These Perfectly Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies are everything a classic sugar cookie should be — soft in the center, chewy around the edges, perfectly sweet, and so flavorful that they don’t need any frosting at all.
If you love cookies that melt in your mouth yet have that irresistible golden edge, this recipe will become your new go-to. These cookies use simple pantry ingredients but deliver professional bakery quality. They’re fast, reliable, and perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home.
Unlike cut-out cookies, these drop sugar cookies require no chilling, no shaping, and no rolling — you simply scoop, drop, and bake. Perfect for quick batches or last-minute dessert cravings!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop (optional but recommended)
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
Fresh Products
- 1 large egg
Dry & Flavoring Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dairy
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
👩🍳 Directions
step1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
step2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
step3:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
step4:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
step5:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
step6:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into 1½-tablespoon balls. Drop them onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
step7:
For a classic crackled top, gently press the tops with your fingertips or the bottom of a glass.
step8:
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft — they will continue to set as they cool.
step9:
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Yields: 20–22 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 10 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes
- Total time: ~30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- To soften frozen cookies, microwave for 6–8 seconds.
🥄 Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Lemon Vanilla: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest for a bright twist.
- Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace 1 tsp vanilla with almond extract.
- Sprinkle Cookies: Add 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles into the dough.
- Crispy Version: Bake 1–2 minutes longer for crispier edges.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why are my sugar cookies hard?
They were likely overbaked. Remove when edges are just golden.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
No — this recipe was designed to bake perfectly without chilling.
3. Can I add frosting?
Yes, but these cookies are delicious without it.
4. Why didn’t my cookies spread?
Your butter may have been too cold. Make sure it’s softened.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze scooped dough balls for easy baking later.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
7. Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch.
8. Why are my cookies cakey?
Too much flour. Spoon-and-level your flour when measuring.
9. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely — add up to 1 cup.
10. Are they good for decorating?
These are soft cookies, so stick to light drizzle instead of heavy icing.
🏁 Conclusion
These Perfectly Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies are the ideal no-frosting sugar cookie — sweet, soft, chewy, and incredibly quick to make. They require no chilling, no rolling, and no complicated steps, making them perfect for beginners and expert bakers alike.
Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies always hit the spot. A true classic you’ll bake over and over again!
Perfectly Chewy Drop Sugar Cookie Recipe (No Frosting Needed!)
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Ingredients
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Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into 1½-tablespoon balls. Drop them onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- For a classic crackled top, gently press the tops with your fingertips or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft — they will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
They were likely overbaked. Remove when edges are just golden. 2. Do I need to chill the dough?
No — this recipe was designed to bake perfectly without chilling. 3. Can I add frosting?
Yes, but these cookies are delicious without it. 4. Why didn’t my cookies spread?
Your butter may have been too cold. Make sure it’s softened. 5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze scooped dough balls for easy baking later. 6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. 7. Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch. 8. Why are my cookies cakey?
Too much flour. Spoon-and-level your flour when measuring. 9. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely — add up to 1 cup. 10. Are they good for decorating?
These are soft cookies, so stick to light drizzle instead of heavy icing. 🏁 Conclusion These Perfectly Chewy Drop Sugar Cookies are the ideal no-frosting sugar cookie — sweet, soft, chewy, and incredibly quick to make. They require no chilling, no rolling, and no complicated steps, making them perfect for beginners and expert bakers alike. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies always hit the spot. A true classic you’ll bake over and over again!
