If you have a soft spot for cookies that deliver that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are everything you want in a treat: tender, bursting with rich brown sugar flavor, and just the right amount of buttery goodness that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and simply delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but absolutely essential to achieving that characteristic chewy texture and deep, caramel-like sweetness. Each one plays a role in building flavor, structure, and the beautiful golden-brown color you expect from the best brown sugar cookies.
- Dark brown sugar: This adds moisture and a wonderfully rich molasses flavor that’s key for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a bit of crispness and helps the cookies brown evenly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides luscious richness and tenderness – make sure it’s softened for easy creaming!
- Large egg + egg yolk: The egg yolk adds extra moisture and richness, keeping the cookies soft inside.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure without toughness when measured correctly.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough, giving a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at just the right temperature so your cookies will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden edge with a soft, chewy center.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps your cookies rise beautifully while maintaining that irresistible chew.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and additional egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg yolk especially adds an extra layer of richness that helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to prevent tough cookies.
Step 5: Prepare the Dough for Baking
Scoop rounded balls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color but the centers are still slightly soft. This is the secret to that signature chewy texture. Let them cool before digging in to enjoy that perfect chew!
How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine all on their own, you can elevate their appearance and taste by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. These little touches add contrast that makes the flavor pop even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy brown sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or some creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The cool, creamy sides perfectly complement the warm, chewy texture and rich sweetness of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or your favorite frosting. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a fancy finish that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain maximum softness, place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them moist.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies and bring back that just-baked warmth and gooey texture, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I substitute light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar as a substitute. Keep in mind that dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor which creates a deeper richness and chewiness, so the cookies may be slightly less intense in flavor with light brown sugar.
Why do my cookies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the dough or baking too long can result in cakey cookies. For chewy cookies, it’s important to mix until just combined and bake until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits would be delicious additions. Just fold them into the dough after mixing the dry ingredients for extra texture and flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, which makes it perfect for a quick bake. However, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can prevent spreading if you prefer thicker cookies.
How do I make the cookies more uniform in size?
Using a cookie scoop to portion the dough helps achieve even sizing. This not only ensures uniform baking but also makes your cookies look professionally made every time!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade cookies, and this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and classic techniques come together to create pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are straightforward, forgiving, and irresistibly delicious. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these golden, chewy delights. You won’t regret it!
Print
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and packed with rich brown sugar flavor. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a tender, chewy texture, these cookies make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg and additional egg yolk along with the pure vanilla extract until the batter is well combined and creamy, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop rounded balls of dough and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone liners, leaving adequate space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy once cooled for the best texture.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them once edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
- Softened unsalted butter should be at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Using both an egg and an extra yolk enhances moisture and chewiness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
