These brown sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! The rich flavor of brown sugar gives them a warm sweetness that’s hard to resist.
I love how quick and easy they are to make! Just mix, scoop, and bake. Plus, they make the house smell amazing—be prepared for your family to come running for a taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is the star here; it adds moisture and that lovely chewy texture. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how rich you want the flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar).
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over saltiness in cookies. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work well, too.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients and keeps the cookies moist. For a vegan version, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Chewy?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, it’s all about the baking time and the cooling method. Here’s how:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour; this keeps the cookies tender.
- Look for the edges to be set but the centers to appear slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook a little while cooling on the baking sheet.
- Cool them on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them, allowing them to firm up a bit.
This method helps you end up with those soft, warm centers that everyone loves!
Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll have about 5 minutes of cooling time on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. Overall, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies have the right texture. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the packed brown sugar. Mix them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sweetness of the brown sugar will give your cookies a beautiful flavor!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the large egg and the tablespoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is light and fluffy, which should only take a minute or two.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Gradually fold the two together using a spatula or a wooden spoon. It’s important not to overmix—mix just until you see no more flour streaks.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or just a spoon, scoop out balls of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Flatten and Sprinkle:
Gently flatten each ball of dough with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Then, sprinkle a generous pinch of granulated sugar on top of each cookie for that extra sparkle and sweetness!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the trays in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and the tops to look crackled, while the centers should still appear soft—this helps keep them chewy!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your yummy, chewy brown sugar cookies with that delightful sprinkle on top!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Light or Dark Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! Both light and dark brown sugar will work in this recipe. Light brown sugar gives a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar imparts a richer, more caramel-like taste. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Yes, you can! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture—simply combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then mix it into your batter. This works really well for keeping the cookies moist.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape without sticking to your hands or surfaces!
