Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Prepare to fall deeply in love with these Brown Sugar Cookies! This recipe creates irresistibly soft, chewy cookies bursting with warm caramel notes, thanks to the magic of brown sugar in every bite. They’re simple, incredibly satisfying, and just begging to be shared with friends (or devoured straight off the cookie sheet with a tall glass of milk!). Whether you’re baking for a party, an after-school treat, or simply to brighten an ordinary afternoon, these cookies are destined to become your new go-to favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Brown Sugar Cookies lies in how a handful of familiar pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient is essential, bringing just the right structure, flavor, or rich color to the finished treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that helps your cookies hold their perfect shape.
• Baking soda: Just the right amount for a little lift and those tender, chewy centers.
• Salt: A pinch really makes all the other flavors pop.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming; it brings rich flavor and a luscious texture.
• Light brown sugar: The star of the show, providing that deep, caramel sweetness and chewy bite.
• Large egg: Binds everything together for a cookie that’s neither too crumbly nor too cakey.
• Vanilla extract: For warmth and balance, rounding out the brown sugar’s toffee-like notes.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure your Brown Sugar Cookies bake up with beautifully golden bottoms—no sticking allowed.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step guarantees these ingredients get evenly dispersed throughout your dough, which means every bite is as perfectly balanced as the last.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This is where the cookie magic begins—the process incorporates just the right amount of air for a pillowy texture and helps dissolve that luscious brown sugar for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully smooth. The egg gives your Brown Sugar Cookies their signature structure, while vanilla lifts the overall flavor with its cozy, fragrant notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together. Don’t overmix—just until you don’t see streaks of flour. This ensures your cookies stay oh-so-tender.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough (a cookie scoop keeps things neat!), rolling each gently in your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes—look for just-golden edges and soft centers. That’s the secret to thick, chewy Brown Sugar Cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack. The hardest part is waiting, but those still-warm cookies with a glass of milk? Pure joy.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are perfection as-is, but you can jazz them up with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt right as they come out of the oven. It makes those brown sugar flavors sing! For a festive touch, a little drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Honestly, Brown Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with almost anything. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert, or alongside a mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai for the coziest afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, sandwich two cookies together with ice cream or a swirl of maple buttercream for extra decadence. Stack them in a cute tin, tie with ribbon, and you have the ultimate handmade gift—everyone loves a surprise batch of Brown Sugar Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their soft, chewy texture for up to 5 days. If you want super fresh flavor, toss a slice of bread in the container—it keeps the cookies moist and delicious!

Freezing

To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool fully, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be just as delicious for up to 2 months. You can also freeze scoops of unbaked dough—perfect for last-minute cookie cravings.

Reheating

If your cookies feel a little too firm after storing, pop them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This revives their lovely chewiness—like a fresh batch straight from the oven, any day of the week.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will intensify the caramel and molasses notes, making your Brown Sugar Cookies even richer in flavor. Just expect a slightly deeper color and flavor twist.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

No worries—a light greasing of your baking sheets with butter or nonstick spray will work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on your cookies to prevent over-browning on the bottoms.

How can I make my Brown Sugar Cookies extra chewy?

The secret is to slightly underbake the cookies, pulling them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look a little underdone. They’ll finish cooking as they cool, keeping that irresistible chewiness.

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

Definitely! While traditional Brown Sugar Cookies shine all on their own, a handful of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon is a fantastic way to customize the recipe and make it your own.

Do I need to chill the dough first?

This dough is designed to be quick and easy, so no chilling is necessary! But if you have extra time, a short rest in the fridge (30 minutes or so) can help the flavors meld for an even deeper taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an unfussy, crowd-pleasing treat, these Brown Sugar Cookies deliver the magic every single time. The recipe is simple, the results are truly stellar, and every batch brings a little warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the baking begin—you’ll be glad you did!

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