If you have a soft spot for cookies that strike the perfect balance between tender and chewy, then this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. With its rich, buttery flavor enhanced by the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, these cookies are irresistibly soft in the middle but slightly crisp around the edges. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making them ideal for those cozy afternoons or whenever you simply crave a classic treat that feels homemade and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you! Each one plays a vital role, crafting the cookie’s delightful texture, flavor, and color. From the golden brown sugar that brings moisture and chew, to the melted butter lending richness and a slight crispness, these kitchen staples come together to create magic.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base that gives the cookies their shape and soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, giving a tender bite without puffing up too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds unbeatable richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar: This is the heart of the chewiness and adds delicious caramel undertones.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and helps with structure without making it cakey.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds extra richness and moisture for softness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into every bite.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Setting this mixture aside allows us to smoothly combine the wet ingredients next.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar Until Glossy
In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisking these together until smooth and glossy is crucial—this step locks in that wonderful chewy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, stir in the large egg, the extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring body and flavor to your dough, ensuring each cookie has a luscious softness and inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently and just enough so everything is combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these to stay tender and chewy.
Step 5: Scoop and Space the Dough
Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing lets the cookies spread without merging into one another.
Step 6: Bake Until Edges Turn Golden
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges have a light golden color, but the centers still look slightly soft. This is the secret to maintaining that chewy middle everyone loves.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Moving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. You’ll want to resist the temptation to eat them immediately—though it’s hard!
How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking is a game changer, adding a savory contrast to the sweetness. You can also dust them lightly with cinnamon or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a fancy finish that still feels cozy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a creamy cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Their natural sweetness and chewy texture complement drinks beautifully, making snack time extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter cream. Serve them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit or nuts to impress guests or turn your afternoon snack into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay chewy and delicious for up to five days—perfect for satisfying midweek sweet cravings without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance or bake in batches, freezing works great. Store the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive your stored cookies, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. This warms the butter back up, softening the texture and bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor and a slightly darker color. It’s a great option if you prefer a richer, more intense caramel note in your cookies.
What happens if I overbake these cookies?
If baked too long, the cookies can lose their chewy center and become crisp throughout. Keep a close eye starting at 10 minutes and remove when edges are golden but centers remain soft for the perfect chew.
Is it necessary to melt the butter?
Melting the butter helps achieve a crisp edge with a chewy center, creating that ideal texture combination. Using softened butter instead will yield a slightly cakier cookie but still tasty!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps like using vegan butter and an egg substitute (such as flaxseed egg), you can create a delicious vegan version. The texture might vary slightly, but the chewy, brown sugar flavor can still shine through.
How can I make the cookies thicker?
Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough spreads less during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a batch of chewy, buttery brown sugar cookies fresh out of the oven. This Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s easy, reliable, and every bite feels like a little moment of joy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the simple pleasure of soft, chewy cookies made with love.
Print
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful American dessert featuring a soft and chewy texture with rich brown sugar flavor. The cookies are easy to make, perfect for baking beginners, and yield a delicious treat with a slightly crisp edge and tender center.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which helps to incorporate air and makes the cookies tender.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and cohesive wet mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop the cookie dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft, signaling that they will be chewy once cooled.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor and better texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
