Irresistibly Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Whipping up a batch of chewy brown sugar cookies can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with sweet memories.

Nostalgic aromas waft through the air, promising delectable comfort.

Soft edges and delightful centers make these treats irresistible to cookie enthusiasts.

Rich caramel notes from the brown sugar create a depth of flavor that sets these cookies apart.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can quickly satisfy your dessert cravings.

Butter, sugar, and a pinch of magic combine to produce a truly remarkable cookie experience.

Bake these and watch smiles spread across faces as everyone reaches for another delicious morsel.

Tips for Golden Edges and a Tender Center

• Chill for Maximum Chewiness: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance texture and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Control Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in granulated sugar lightly for a delicate crackly exterior without overwhelming sweetness.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked to maintain soft, chewy consistency.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Experiment with different brown sugar types like light or dark to adjust depth of flavor and caramel notes.
• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their signature chewy texture and freshness.

Keep Cookies Tasting Fresh Day After Day

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
• Warm slightly stale cookies in the oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their chewy texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Tasty Pairings for Brown Sugar Cookies

• Complement the rich brown sugar flavor with a fragrant chai or cinnamon tea, enhancing the cookie's warm, sweet notes and providing a cozy drinking experience.
• The smooth, caramel-like undertones of these cookies pair perfectly with a vanilla latte, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy textures.
• Elevate the cookie's brown sugar profile by serving alongside a scoop of salted caramel gelato, offering a luxurious dessert combination with contrasting temperatures and complementary flavors.
• The deep, robust notes of dark chocolate and espresso will beautifully balance the cookie's sweetness, creating a sophisticated and indulgent tasting experience.

Creative Variations for Classic Cookie Fans

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies safe for those with wheat sensitivities.

Vegan Comfort: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a compassionate cookie option.

Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, use almond flour instead of regular flour, and add some chopped nuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies: Replace part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, deep flavor that adds complexity to the classic cookie recipe.

Cookie Questions Covered

• Why does the recipe recommend chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a thicker, chewier cookie. Cold dough solidifies the butter, which means the cookies will hold their shape better during baking and develop a richer, more intense flavor.

• Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can! Dark brown sugar will create a deeper molasses flavor and slightly darker cookie. The texture and overall structure of the cookies will remain the same.

• What if I don't have a cookie scoop?

No problem! You can use two spoons to portion the dough or use a tablespoon measure. The key is to make consistently sized dough balls so they bake evenly.

• Why roll the dough balls in granulated sugar?

Rolling the dough in granulated sugar creates a beautiful crackly exterior and adds a subtle sweet crunch to the cookie’s surface. It’s optional but recommended for extra texture and visual appeal.

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies You’ll Crave

• Perfect for baking beginners who want a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting afternoon snack that everyone will love.
• Ready in under 30 minutes of active preparation, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Everything You Need for Brown Sugar Cookies

• Butter: Rich base that provides moisture and helps create a soft, chewy texture. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Brown Sugar: Gives deep caramel flavor and contributes to the cookie's chewiness. Dark brown sugar will provide more intense molasses notes.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cookie. Fresh eggs work best.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones. Pure vanilla extract recommended over imitation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cookie. Measure carefully for consistent results.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar: Optional coating that creates a crackly exterior and adds subtle sweetness. Allows cookies to have a slightly crisp outer layer.

How to Bake Soft and Chewy Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats for smooth cookie release.

Step 2: Create a Buttery Base

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth liquid gold.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Makers

• Whole egg
• Extra egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk energetically until everything melds together beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently blend the dry components with a light touch.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft, pillowy dough emerges. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.

Step 6: Enhance Chewiness

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step transforms good cookies into extraordinary ones.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dreams

Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop or spoon. Roll into perfect little balls.

Step 8: Add Sparkle

Optional: Roll dough balls in granulated sugar for a delightful crackly exterior.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Arrange cookie balls two inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide sheets into the oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges look set and centers appear slightly underbaked.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from oven. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Devour with pure happiness.

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet brown sugar cookies deliver comfort wrapped in delightful nostalgia, promising rich caramel undertones that melt perfectly on hungry taste buds. Warm kitchen memories and simple ingredients create irresistible treats you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients (Wet):

• ¾ cup (170 grams or 1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Primary Ingredients (Dry):

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Melt butter and blend thoroughly with brown sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate whole egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until ingredients integrate seamlessly.
3. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt through gentle whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft, cohesive dough while avoiding excessive mixing.
5. Refrigerate dough for minimum 30 minutes to enhance texture and flavor development.
6. Shape dough into uniform spheres using a medium cookie scoop or carefully measured portions.
7. Optional: Roll cookie spheres in granulated sugar to create a delicate, crackled exterior.
8. Arrange dough balls with generous spacing on parchment-lined baking sheets to prevent merging during baking.
9. Position sheets in preheated oven at 350F and bake approximately 9-11 minutes, targeting slightly underdone centers with set edges.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for initial 5-minute cooling period, which helps structural stabilization.
11. Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction and texture refinement.

Notes

• Chill the dough for extra chewiness by letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which helps prevent spreading and intensifies the brown sugar flavor.
• Customize the texture by adjusting baking time – shorter baking creates softer cookies, while longer baking produces crispier edges with a chewy center.
• Swap ingredients for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, or replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Enhance flavor variations by adding a pinch of cinnamon, replacing vanilla with maple extract, or sprinkling sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg