I remember the first time I baked brown sugar cookies—it was a spontaneous decision, driven by my sudden craving for something sweet but a little richer than the usual sugar cookie.
I dug through my pantry, and there it was—a big bag of brown sugar, and I thought, why not?
The result was a revelation: a cookie that was slightly caramelized, soft, and chewy, with a deep sweetness that set it apart from the standard cookie fare.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels homey, comforting, and just a little nostalgic.
Brown sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're curling up with a book or bringing a batch to a potluck.
Their unique flavor comes from the molasses in the sugar, creating a rich and warm taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also yields consistently delicious results every single time!
Brown Sugar Cookies Overview
These brown sugar cookies are special for a few reasons.
First, they are made entirely with brown sugar, which gives them a caramel-like flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
No white sugar in sight! Second, this recipe is super easy to follow, even if you're a novice baker.
With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have warm cookies on the table in no time.
Whether you enjoy them plain, add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty combo, or throw in some chocolate chips, these cookies are bound to be a hit.
Brown Sugar Cookies Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
How to Make Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Scoop the dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake the cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft.
The key to chewy cookies is not overbaking them, so be sure to remove them from the oven while they look slightly underdone.
Step 8: Cool and enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy them warm, or let them cool down for a crispier exterior.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Cookies
Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a smoother dough and fluffier cookies.
Pack your brown sugar: Brown sugar should be firmly packed into the measuring cup for accurate measurement. This ensures the cookies have the perfect sweetness and moisture level.
Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and prevent excessive spreading while baking.
Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a chewy texture.
Rotate your baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets to ensure even cooking if your oven has hot spots.
Variations and Customizations
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
- Salted caramel twist: Top each cookie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Spiced version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Nuts or dried fruit: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Brown butter upgrade: Try browning the butter before creaming it with the sugar for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store your brown sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Place a slice of bread inside the container to help keep them soft and moist.
Freezer: To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough! Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the scoops until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Absolutely! Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which will give your cookies a richer, slightly stronger flavor. Light brown sugar works just as well, but dark brown sugar will give the cookies an extra depth of flavor.
Q: Why did my cookies turn out flat?
A: Flat cookies can happen if your butter was too warm or you overmixed the dough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q: How can I make the cookies crispier?
A: If you prefer crispier cookies, simply bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are fully set.
Q: Can I add frosting to these cookies?
A: Yes! These cookies are great with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting if you want to take them to the next level.
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to whip up a batch of these irresistible brown sugar cookies.
Whether you’re keeping them all to yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
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