If you have a soft spot for cookies that are chewy, buttery, and bursting with the warm richness only brown sugar can provide, then this Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. With the perfect balance of sweetness and a tender texture that melts in your mouth, these cookies are an absolute game-changer—simple enough for a cozy weekday treat yet impressive enough to share with friends and family on any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create the magic behind these scrumptious Brown Sugar Cookies. From the flour that gives structure to the dough, to the warm vanilla that ties all the flavors together, each component is essential for that perfect bite.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for lightness without making them cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring each cookie feels indulgent.
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed: The star ingredient that offers deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps with sweetness and a slight crisp edge for contrast.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while lending structure.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds extra richness and keeps the cookies soft in the center.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup—this little prep step makes a big difference.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your cookies rise uniformly and have a perfect texture throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The extra yolk adds a remarkable richness that sets these cookies apart from your usual batch.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until they come together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so mixing until combined keeps them soft and tender.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without merging into one another.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft. This timing creates that irresistible chewy texture everyone loves.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest period allows the cookies to firm up just enough to handle without breaking but keeps them soft inside.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of warm Brown Sugar Cookies can elevate them to dessert perfection, adding just a touch of sophistication and extra flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cozy cup of tea, or even a rich latte. The wholesome warmth of the brown sugar flavor shines even brighter alongside your favorite beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Brown Sugar Cookies sandwiched with creamy vanilla or chocolate frosting for a delightful twist. Alternatively, break them into pieces over vanilla ice cream for a quick, scrumptious dessert that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Brown Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, ready for whenever the sweet cravings hit.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them quickly for 10–15 seconds. This revives their soft, gooey magic as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar in this recipe?
While you can use white sugar, the signature chewy texture and caramel flavor come from brown sugar, so the cookies will taste different and might be less soft without it.
Why do these cookies stay soft instead of crispy?
The combination of brown sugar and an extra egg yolk adds moisture and helps keep the cookies tender rather than crispy on the outside.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can make your Brown Sugar Cookies even more delightful—just fold them into the dough before baking.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough can enhance the flavor and prevent too much spreading, but it’s not necessary. If you choose to chill, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and try chilling the dough if you find the cookies are spreading too thin during baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking a batch of homemade Brown Sugar Cookies. This Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible cookies whenever you need a little homemade happiness. So go ahead, bake, share, and enjoy every sweet bite with those you love!
Print
Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully chewy and rich Brown Sugar Cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. These classic cookies feature a soft center and slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat for any cookie lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and cohesive batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without becoming hard.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when taken out of the oven.
- For a deeper flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
