These brown sugar cookies are a sweet treat that melts in your mouth! With a lovely chewy texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of freshly baked cookies? I love making a batch and devouring them warm with a glass of milk. It’s a simple joy that makes any day better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is the star here! Its molasses content gives these cookies their rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar combined with a bit of molasses, about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative works great!
Flour: Standard all-purpose flour creates the right structure. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it has xanthan gum for texture!
Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully. In a pinch, you can use almond extract for a different twist.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar properly is key for fluffy cookies! Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature to blend easily with sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed until it looks light and fluffy.
- This step incorporates air, leading to a lovely texture in your cookies.
Remember, take your time! Rushing this step could lead to denser cookies.
How to Make Delicious Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 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 and sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes for preparation and another 8-10 minutes for baking. Altogether, you’ll wrap up in just about 30 minutes—perfect for an afternoon treat or a sweet surprise for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, making sure every cookie rises perfectly!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the sugar starts to dissolve into the butter!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You should have a nice, smooth mixture at this point.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix it together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should quickly come together into a soft ball.
6. Shape the Dough
Now, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Once you have your balls shaped, roll each one in granulated sugar for that delightful sweetness on the outside.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. They will spread out while baking!
8. Flatten and Sprinkle
Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon. For an extra sparkle, feel free to sprinkle a little more granulated sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
9. Bake
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain slightly underbaked for that yummy chewy texture!
10. Cool and Enjoy!
Once done, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Dig in and savor every bite of your chewy, caramel-flavored brown sugar cookies topped with a sparkling sugar crust! Happy baking!
Can I Use Light or Dark Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! Both light and dark brown sugar work well in this recipe. Light brown sugar will give cookies a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar adds a deeper, richer molasses taste.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can still use it! Just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to about 1/8 teaspoon to balance the flavors so the cookies are not overly salty.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Chewy?
To achieve that lovely chewy texture, make sure not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up while cooling!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
