Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s soft and irresistible with a rich, caramel-like flavor, then Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are all about that signature chewiness and deep brown sugar taste, thanks to a simple list of pantry staples. Each bite delivers a nostalgia-inducing softness combined with a hint of molasses from the brown sugar, making them perfect for any occasion—or just because you can’t resist a perfectly baked, golden cookie!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to whip up a batch of these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies, but each ingredient plays its part in creating the perfect texture and flavor. This list proves that a handful of reliable baking basics can make magic together in your oven.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they’re tender but not cakey.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies their gentle lift and helps create that beautiful crackly surface.
• Salt: Enhances the brown sugar’s flavor and balances the sweetness so perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Using melted butter ramps up that chewy texture everyone craves in a cookie.
• Packed light brown sugar: The true star for deep flavor and that rich, moist crumb you love in a chewy cookie.
• Large egg plus 1 egg yolk: The extra yolk increases richness and guarantees softness in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the brown sugar’s caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon (optional): A hint of spice creates extra depth, though these cookies are still fabulous without it.

How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when your dough is mixed. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes for super easy cleanup afterward.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed; this will ensure your cookies have just the right texture and a hint of spice in every bite.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted, slightly cooled butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is where you start building that signature chewiness and deep brown sugar flavor!

Step 4: Whisk in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the whole egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until everything comes together in a smooth, homogenous batter that’s flecked with vanilla and looks oh-so-inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle—stop as soon as you have a soft, thick dough with no streaks of flour left. This ensures your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies don’t get tough or overmixed.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Giving them space helps them bake evenly and get those gorgeous crinkled edges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Don’t worry if they seem slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool, keeping the centers oh-so-chewy!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This quick rest helps them finish setting up and makes them easier to move without breaking.

How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven for a pop of flavor, or drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for a fun twist. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies look extra special, especially for a festive occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair your freshly baked Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies with a tall glass of icy-cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. For a grown-up treat, try serving them with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a rustic jar with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for parties. These also make a charming base for ice cream sandwiches—just scoop your favorite flavor between two cookies and press gently!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long! For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

To freeze, cool your cookies completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each layer. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For fresh-baked flavor, let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 5–10 seconds. This revives their freshly baked texture and makes the brown sugar aroma even more tempting!

FAQs

Why do these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies stay so soft?

The magic comes from the combination of brown sugar, melted butter, and that extra egg yolk, which all lock in moisture for a dreamy, chewy bite every time.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in up to 1 cup of add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or toffee bits for your own creative spin on these cookies.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but if you want a thicker, even chewier cookie, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. It helps prevent spreading and amplifies the flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The key is to bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but not dry. They might appear slightly underdone—this is what keeps the centers extra chewy after cooling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Scoop and bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute to the bake time if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you whip up a batch of these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies soon—they never disappoint, and their sweet aroma is enough to make any day feel special. Once you taste that irresistibly soft center and crave-worthy brown sugar flavor, I bet you’ll come back to this recipe again and again!

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