Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

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

3. Mix Sugar and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups sugar with the cream cheese. Pour warm butter over the mixture and whisk to combine, leaving some small lumps of cream cheese intact. Set aside 1/3 cup sugar in a shallow dish for rolling later.

4. Add Liquids

Whisk oil into the sugar and cream cheese mixture until incorporated. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla; continue whisking until smooth.

5. Form Dough

Fold in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.

6. Shape Cookies

Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each piece into a ball with your hands.

7. Sugar Coat

Roll the dough balls in the reserved sugar to coat, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, 12 per sheet.

8. Flatten and Sugar

Flatten each ball into a 2-inch diameter disc using the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 4 teaspoons of sugar (2 teaspoons per tray), discarding any leftover sugar.

9. Bake

Bake one tray at a time for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to brown, rotating the tray halfway through.

10. Rest and Transfer

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then use a wide metal spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.