If you’ve ever craved a cookie that wraps you in warm, caramel-like sweetness with just the right hint of chewiness, then this Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies boast a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by the deep molasses undertones of dark brown sugar, making every bite utterly comforting and addictive. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers soft, tender cookies with crispy edges that melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple but crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each element works together: butter for richness, brown sugar for that distinctive molasses depth, and careful measurements for a tender yet chewy bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks softened to room temperature): Butter provides the foundation of flavor and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar: This is what gives the cookie its signature caramel note and moist texture.
- ½ cup white granulated sugar: Adds balance with a touch of crispness and sweetness.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients while adding moisture and structure.
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature): Extra richness for a soft, chewy center.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, floral aroma.
- 2 ¼ cups white all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned into measuring cup, then leveled off): The backbone that gives the cookies their shape and tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon molasses: Boosts the deep, complex sweetness and enhances the brown sugar flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling, slightly crisp coating on the outside.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus more on baking and less on mess.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting this aside means you can gradually mix the dry components into the wet ingredients without overworking the dough.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
Place the dark brown sugar and white granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will create the perfect base for your cookie’s tender texture and deep caramel flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into your creamed sugar and butter. Mix for about one minute until the combination is well blended and luscious.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add your dry ingredients in thirds. This careful mixing technique ensures a uniform dough without over-mixing, helping keep the cookies light yet chewy.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to drop 2-tablespoon-sized dough balls into the granulated sugar. Roll each ball around to coat it evenly, then place on your prepared baking sheet, giving them about 3 inches of space since these cookies spread beautifully.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight. Chilling helps the dough set and enhances the flavors, resulting in cookies with a superb texture and taste.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chilled cookies from the fridge and bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges look slightly crisp but the centers remain soft. Don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Brown Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet to finish setting before transferring them to a wire rack. This final step ensures they maintain their signature chewy texture inside with a hint of crunch on the edges.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Brown Sugar Cookies beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top right before baking to contrast the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. For grown-ups, pairing them with a smooth coffee or a caramel-infused latte can highlight the cookie’s deep brown sugar notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts. Serve stacked alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert, or even sandwich two cookies with a layer of creamy peanut butter or chocolate ganache for an extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their soft, chewy texture for up to a week, making them an easy grab-and-go treat whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring them to a freezer bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw and proceed with the baking steps. Baked cookies freeze well too—just make sure they’re wrapped tightly to retain freshness.
Reheating
To revive a little softness and warmth, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This subtle reheating brings out the fresh-baked goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar, but the flavor will be milder with less molasses richness. Dark brown sugar really enhances the depth and chewiness in this Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you’re out of molasses, you can skip it, though adding it boosts the cookie’s characteristic flavor. A tablespoon of honey or maple syrup could offer a different but delicious twist as a substitute.
Why is it important to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which prevents excessive spreading, helping your cookies hold their shape. It also allows the flavors to meld, making the Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe taste richer and more complex.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but the texture may differ slightly. Using a blend designed for baking usually gives the best results for chewy, tender cookies.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
For crispier edges, bake for an extra two to three minutes and use slightly less brown sugar. You can also increase the white sugar a bit as it promotes crispness while brown sugar keeps things soft.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the warm, enticing aroma of fresh Brown Sugar Cookies right out of the oven. This Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe offers a perfect balance of soft centers and crisp edges, loaded with deep caramel flavor that makes every bite special. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own batch of homemade happiness—these cookies are a guaranteed delight for any occasion.
Print
Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes (+ chilling time of 1 hour to overnight)
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich molasses and brown sugar flavor. Perfectly balanced with a crisp edge and a tender center, these cookies are ideal for any sweet tooth craving a comforting classic treat. Rolled in granulated sugar before baking, they offer a delicate crunch that complements the moist, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups white all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned into measuring cup, then leveled off)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened to room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon molasses
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Cream sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the dark brown sugar and white granulated sugar with the softened butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, beating for about one minute until well incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients gradually: On low speed, add the dry flour mixture to the wet dough in three parts, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth dough.
- Form cookie balls: Use a cookie scoop to portion out 2-tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each ball in the ¼ cup granulated sugar to evenly coat, then arrange on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Space cookies: Continue scooping, rolling, and placing the dough balls with approximately 3 inches between each to allow room for spreading.
- Chill dough: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight to firm up the dough and enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or serving to prevent breaking.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to avoid sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you prefer firmer or softer cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
