These brown sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet goodness! With a hint of vanilla and a lovely caramel flavor, they’re a treat you won’t forget.
Honestly, I can’t resist taking a bite whenever I make these! They’re perfect with a glass of milk or just as a little pick-me-up during the day. Yum!
Making these cookies is so simple! Just mix the ingredients, scoop them out, and bake. You’ll love how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar! Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar is key for that rich flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar. If you’re out, mix white sugar with molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar) for a similar taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds great flavor and control over salt levels. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, giving the cookies structure. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can do the trick, though the texture may vary.
Egg: The egg provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients. For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Achieving that soft and chewy texture is all about how you mix and bake! Here are some tips:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure it’s fluffy—this helps create air pockets for softness.
- Don’t overmix once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Mix just until you don’t see any flour.
- For cookies that are soft in the center, underbake them slightly—pull them out when they’re just set around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Letting them cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up without becoming hard.
Following these steps ensures your cookies come out perfectly every time. Happy baking!
How to Make Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 9-11 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish. With a little time waiting for them to cool, you’ll be enjoying delicious cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and creamy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and smooth. You’ll love the sweet aroma of the vanilla!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Carefully add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently, mixing just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
6. Scoop and Roll:
Now it’s time to form your cookies! Scoop out portions of dough that are about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
7. Sugar Coating:
Next, roll each ball of dough in granulated sugar until they are generously coated. This adds a lovely sweetness and a crackly finish to your cookies!
8. Place on Baking Sheets:
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This will allow them to spread without sticking together.
9. Baking Time:
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set and slightly golden, while the tops should look crackly but still soft in the center.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up before you move them.
11. Enjoy!
Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dive right into these soft, chewy brown sugar cookies that are bursting with flavor!
Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! Enjoy!
Can I Use Light or Dark Brown Sugar?
Yes, both light and dark brown sugar work perfectly in this recipe. Light brown sugar will give a milder caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar will add a richer taste to your cookies. Feel free to choose according to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which helps maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply scoop and roll them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe by about half. This way, you’ll keep the balance of flavors just right!