Chewy Sugar Cookies from Cook's Illustrated

Indulge in the ultimate cookie experience with these Chewy Sugar Cookies from Cook's Illustrated—an irresistible treat boasting the perfect balance of soft texture and rich flavor. Made with a unique combination of cream cheese, vegetable oil, and melted butter, these cookies deliver a luscious chewiness that stands out from traditional sugar cookies. The recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes of prep time, and features simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and baking essentials. Roll the dough in granulated sugar for a sparkling, crisp finish or enjoy them as-is for understated elegance. Ideal for sharing with friends or savoring with your favorite hot beverage, these cookies strike the perfect harmony of sweetness and tenderness, making them a must-try for any occasion. Perfect for cookie lovers searching for easy, chewy sugar cookie recipes or looking to elevate their baking repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 33/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 2.75 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 ounces Cream cheese
• 0.75 cups Unsalted butter, melted and warm
• 0.5 cups Vegetable oil
• 1 units Large egg
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups Optional granulated sugar for rolling

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cream cheese. Use a rubber spatula to mix them together until smooth.

Step 4

Drizzle the melted, warm butter over the sugar and cream cheese mixture. Whisk to combine until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Add the vegetable oil to the mixture and whisk until well incorporated.

Step 6

Whisk in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

Step 7

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing.

Step 8

If desired, pour the optional granulated sugar into a shallow dish for rolling the cookie dough balls.

Step 9

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and, if using, coat it in the granulated sugar.

Step 10

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 11

Press each dough ball lightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them.

Step 12

Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers should look soft and slightly underbaked.

Step 13

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 14

Enjoy your perfectly chewy sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of tea!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1175.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5314.5

Total Fat 278.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 68.0g
Cholesterol 638.7mg	0%
Sodium 2307.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 676.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g	0%
Total Sugars 423.3g
Protein 45.6g	0%

Vitamin D 47.5IU	0%
Calcium 185.7mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 576.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 50.2%