Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Cozy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Homemade Bliss

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I bake these magical brown sugar cookies.

Delicate hints of caramel whisper from each perfectly golden edge.

Warm aromas drift softly, promising comfort in every delightful bite.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Butter and rich brown sugar create an irresistible harmony that melts instantly on your tongue.

Crisp edges give way to soft, chewy centers that surprise and delight.

Grab a mug of milk and let these cookies transport you to pure culinary bliss.

Simple Tips For Brown Sugar Cookies

  • Soften Butter Smartly: Melt butter gently to create a smooth, creamy base that helps cookies achieve perfect texture without compromising flavor.
  • Control Cookie Spread: Leave enough space between dough balls to prevent cookies from merging during baking, ensuring individual round shapes.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Watch for lightly golden edges and slightly underbaked centers, which indicate the ideal moment to remove cookies from the oven for soft, chewy results.
  • Customize Brown Sugar Impact: Experiment with light or dark brown sugar to adjust moisture and depth of caramel-like flavor in your cookies.
  • Cool Cookies Correctly: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, helping them set and maintain structural integrity.

How To Store Brown Sugar Cookies The Right Way

  • Seal these delectable brown sugar cookies in an airtight container to preserve their soft, chewy texture.
  • Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy these sweet treats whenever a craving strikes.

What Goes Well With Brown Sugar Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The rich, spicy notes of chai perfectly complement the deep caramel undertones of brown sugar cookies. Its creamy warmth balances the cookie's sweet complexity, creating a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookie, elevating the dessert experience.
  • Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A steaming mug of cinnamon-infused coffee brings out the warm, cozy flavors of the brown sugar cookies. The spice enhances the cookie's caramel-like sweetness, making for a comforting pairing.
  • Enjoy with Salted Caramel Milkshake: The salty-sweet milkshake creates a luxurious companion to these cookies. Its creamy texture and caramel undertones mirror the cookie's rich brown sugar profile, offering a decadent dessert combination.

Why Brown Sugar Cookies Are A Sweet Classic

  • Speedy Sweet Sensation: These brown sugar cookies whip up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for sudden dessert cravings or last-minute treats.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can confidently create delicious cookies without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Comfort Flavor Explosion: The rich brown sugar delivers a deep, warm caramel-like taste that transforms ordinary cookies into a nostalgic, comforting experience that reminds you of home-baked goodness.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for casual family gatherings, potlucks, afternoon snacks, or as a sweet companion to your morning coffee, these cookies appeal to all ages and taste preferences.

Brown Sugar Cookies Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for a soft, tender cookie texture with good structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a nice golden color.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances the cookie flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Butter: Provides rich caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and creates a soft cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the brown sugar.
Optional Topping/Finishing:
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Optional garnish for adding a delightful sweet-salty contrast to the cookies.

How To Make Brown Sugar Cookies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth texture.

Step 4: Introduce Flavor Enhancers

Pour into the butter-sugar mixture:
  • Whole egg
  • Extra egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until all components merge into a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Drops

Scoop the dough using a tablespoon, creating rounded balls. Place each cookie drop on the prepared baking sheet, leaving breathing room between them.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for golden edges and slightly soft centers.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, letting them cool completely before devouring these delectable treats.

Fun Ways To Change Brown Sugar Cookies

  • Caramel Pecan Crunch: Fold chopped pecans into the dough and sprinkle extra brown sugar on top before baking for a nutty, crunchy texture.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Edition: Mix ground cinnamon into the dough and create a marbled effect by gently swirling cinnamon sugar through the cookie before baking.
  • Chocolate Chip Comfort: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic cookie upgrade that enhances the rich brown sugar flavor.
  • Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to create a delightful sweet and salty contrast.

Questions About Brown Sugar Cookies? Get Answers

  • Why use brown sugar in these cookies?

Brown sugar adds deep caramel flavor and extra moisture, making these cookies chewier and more rich compared to regular white sugar cookies.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of regular butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and centers that appear slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.

  • Is it important to use both a whole egg and an extra egg yolk?

Yes! The extra egg yolk adds richness, moisture, and helps create a softer, more tender cookie with a perfect chewy center.

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Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet southern brown sugar cookies melt with rich caramel undertones, bringing comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm spices and buttery richness promise a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk

Flour and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Melt butter and blend with brown sugar in a large bowl, creating a rich, smooth mixture that forms the base of the cookie dough.
  4. Incorporate whole egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Portion the dough into uniform rounds, approximately 1.5 tablespoons each, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
  7. Transfer the cookie-laden sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and slightly underdone centers.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

  • Achieve a deeper caramel flavor by using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a richer, more intense taste profile.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a chewier, more structured cookie texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same soft and chewy consistency.
  • Enhance the cookie’s complexity by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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