Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Brown sugar cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy with a deep, caramel flavor thanks to the brown sugar. These treats are perfect for when you want a simple yet indulgent homemade cookie that delights every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks; 226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1 3/4 cups (375 grams) light or dark brown sugar (or a mix of both)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in small pieces and incorporate it evenly into the dough.
7. Step 7: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Mixing light and dark brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
• Use browned butter instead of regular butter for a nutty depth.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added sea salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Why do the cookies spread too much while baking?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or melted, or if there isn’t enough flour. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading.

Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

These Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and rich with the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar. Made with a mix of light and dark brown sugars, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. Perfect for cookie lovers looking for a classic treat with a slightly crispy edge and tender center.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 medium cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter and Sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks; 226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1 3/4 cups (375 grams) light or dark brown sugar (mix of both recommended)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of the room temperature butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will help create the chewy texture and rich flavor.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing these in well ensures even flavor and smooth dough consistency.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, but avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Incorporate Remaining Butter: Gently fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter divided into small pieces to add extra moisture and richness to the dough.
7. Shape the Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto parchment-lined or greased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.

Notes

• Using a mix of light and dark brown sugar intensifies the caramel flavor and adds depth.
• Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming and texture.
• If the dough is too soft to shape, chill it for 15-20 minutes before baking.
• Do not overbake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: brown sugar cookies, chewy cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe