Soft & Buttery Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Sweet aromas of warm brown sugar cookies waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every bite.

These delectable treats blend rich caramel notes with a soft, chewy texture that melts instantly.

Brown sugar cookies carry a nostalgic charm that connects generations of bakers and dessert lovers.

The simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Buttery edges and tender centers make these cookies a perfect companion to afternoon tea or an after-dinner indulgence.

Each cookie brings a sweet reminder of home-baked goodness that no store-bought treat can match.

Prepare to savor every delightful crumb of this beloved classic recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 185 kcal

Servings: 12

Building Blocks of Brown Sugar Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates rich, velvety texture and enhances the deep caramel notes of brown sugar.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture, chewiness, and a luxurious molasses-like flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightful crackly exterior when rolled before baking.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
• Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness and contributes to a softer, more tender cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Amplifies the warm, sweet flavor profile and adds depth to the overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie and ensures a perfect chewy consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread, creating a soft and light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity of the cookies.

Must-Have Tools for That Soft Bite

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending butter, sugar, eggs, and creating a creamy mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing dry ingredients separately.
• Baking sheets: Key for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.

Your Quick Guide to Brown Sugar Cookie Baking

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

• Create Cookie Base

Blend melted butter and brown sugar into a silky smooth mixture that looks like caramel dreams.

• Add Moisture and Flavor

Whisk in egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla until the mixture becomes gorgeously glossy.

• Combine Dry Elements

Gently mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating your secret cookie powder.

• Form Tender Dough

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Don’t overwork the dough.

• Chill and Relax

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help cookies stay thick and luscious.

• Shape Cookie Rounds

Roll dough into balls, optionally coating them in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.

• Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls on prepared sheets, spacing them apart. Bake 9-11 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Savor your homemade treats!

Level-Up Tips for More Texture and Chew

• Butter Browning Boost: Brown the butter before mixing for a deeper, nuttier flavor that enhances the brown sugar's rich caramel notes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable treats.
• Texture Tricks: For extra chewiness, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes and remove cookies when centers still look slightly soft and underbaked.
• Flavor Fun: Experiment with mix-ins like chopped pecans, dark chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt to create unique flavor combinations that elevate the classic brown sugar cookie.

Serving Up the Softest Batch

• Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair these brown sugar cookies with a warm mug of chai tea or spiced apple cider for a delightful flavor combination that enhances the cookie's rich caramel notes.
• Sweet Scoop Delight: Top each cookie with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon gelato to create an indulgent dessert that balances the cookie's chewy texture with cool, creamy goodness.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package these cookies in cute mason jars or decorative tins with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends, teachers, or holiday gatherings, showcasing your baking skills with a personal touch.
• Breakfast Treat Twist: Crumble these cookies over morning yogurt or use them as a base for a quick parfait, transforming your ordinary breakfast into a special morning indulgence with minimal effort.

Keep Those Cookies Soft Until the Last One

• Fridge Storage Magic: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. These delightful treats stay fresh for 5-7 days when refrigerated, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Layer cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for quick sweet treats. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Dough Technique: Prepared cookie dough can rest in the refrigerator for 48 hours before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal consistency.
• Room Temperature Care: Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Room temperature storage works best for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.

Irresistible Brown Sugar Cookies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chewy brown sugar cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sweet treats. Warm caramel notes and rich molasses create an irresistible cookie you’ll savor with pure comfort and joy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup (170 g or 1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Butter Fusion: Melt butter and whisk vigorously with brown sugar until achieving a creamy, homogeneous blend that hints at the cookie’s rich potential.
2. Liquid Integration: Whisk whole egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth, glossy foundation for the dough.
3. Dry Component Preparation: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and creating a light, consistent dry mixture.
4. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender, soft dough texture without overworking.
5. Chill and Develop: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to rest, which enhances the cookie’s ultimate chewiness.
6. Shaping and Coating: Form uniform dough balls using a cookie scoop, optionally rolling in granulated sugar to create a sparkling, crackled exterior with delicate texture.
7. Baking Precision: Arrange cookies on parchment-lined sheets with ample spacing, then bake in a preheated 350F oven for 9-11 minutes until edges set but centers remain slightly soft.
8. Cooling Technique: Rest cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Control Butter Melting: Melt butter carefully to avoid overheating, which can alter cookie texture and compromise chewiness.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for exactly 30 minutes to improve flavor complexity and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Sugar Rolling Technique: Gently roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar for a delicate, crisp exterior that contrasts with the soft, chewy interior.
• Precision Baking Time: Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers appear slightly underdone, ensuring a perfectly chewy texture that solidifies during cooling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg