If your cookie dreams involve a soft center and rich butterscotch depth, you’ll fall in love with Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. Each bite delivers a luxurious, velvety texture and the comforting flavors of caramel and vanilla, thanks to the magic of brown sugar. These cookies bake up with those perfectly crinkled tops and a warmth that instantly feels like home. They’re the ideal treat for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering. You’ll want to keep this recipe bookmarked forever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies is delightfully simple. Each item brings something important to the party, from structure and tenderness to profound flavor and gorgeous color. Grab your staples and let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so special:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their sturdy-yet-soft structure and maintains just the right balance between chewiness and thickness.
- Baking soda: Adds lift and helps those signature cracks appear on top during baking.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet, rich flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
- Light brown sugar: The star ingredient! Provides moisture, deep caramel notes, and that irresistibly chewy texture.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Helps create a luscious, tender crumb and brings richness without overpowering the brown sugar.
- Large egg: Works as a binder and adds richness for a decadent mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm, sweet flavors in every bite and makes the cookies taste homemade.
- Milk: Adds just enough moisture to keep the cookies soft and helps them spread evenly in the oven.
- Additional brown sugar for rolling (optional): Gives each cookie a sweet, crunchy crust and even more caramel flavor.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, the sweet spot for these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This little prep sets you up for baking success and ensures perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step guarantees the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up with a perfect crumb and color. Trust the process—it really is worth the extra minute.
Step 3: Cream the Brown Sugar and Butter
In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and softened butter together until the mixture is creamy and smooth—about two minutes with a hand mixer. This transforms the texture, aerates the dough, and ensures your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies will have those lovely crackly tops and chewy centers.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until everything is fully combined. The egg adds richness, while vanilla and milk round out the flavors for a soft, luxurious cookie dough. The aroma at this stage is heavenly—you’ll see!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix, or you’ll risk tough cookies. If you’d like extra chewiness, this is a great spot to chill the dough for 30 minutes. You can also sneak in a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of toffee bits for a twist.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, rolling them between your hands for even shapes. For extra texture, you can roll each ball in more brown sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets—room to spread is key for those chewy edges and soft centers.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye out: the edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked. This gives you the signature chewy finish. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
The beauty of these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies is how well they pair with a little extra love on top. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance those buttery, caramel notes. Each garnish brings a new flavor dimension and a visual pop that makes these cookies completely irresistible.
Side Dishes
Although these cookies are superstars all on their own, they shine even brighter with the right companions. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cozy mug of hot cocoa, or strong brewed coffee for dunking. For more adventurous sides, try a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream—there’s something magical about cookies and cream together.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Stack the cookies in a glass jar with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift, or sandwich two cookies together with your favorite spread (Nutella and caramel work wonders!). Arrange them on a tiered tray for parties, or make ice cream cookie sandwiches for a special summer treat. Presentation can be just as fun as baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and as chewy as the day you baked them.
Freezing
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies freeze like a dream. You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls—just pop them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for warm, freshly-baked cookies any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
Nothing beats a warm cookie! To bring back that just-baked taste, microwave a cookie for 8–10 seconds for gooey centers. If you’re reheating several, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes, and they’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
What makes Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies so chewy?
The high ratio of brown sugar to butter, combined with a touch of milk and just enough baking time, gives these cookies their distinctive chew. Brown sugar’s moisture and molasses content are the secret weapon here!
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will amp up the molasses flavor and create an even deeper caramel note. The cookies may be a little richer, but still delightfully chewy and satisfying.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t mandatory, but if you’d like cookies that are even thicker and chewier, a quick 30-minute rest in the fridge will help. It also makes the dough easier to portion out, especially on warm days.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! While classic Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies shine on their own, feel free to add up to a cup of your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, toffee bits, or toasted pecans, for your own custom version.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The trick is to bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft and underbaked. They’ll continue to bake on the sheet as they cool, ending up perfectly chewy every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies, you’ll have a new favorite sweet treat for every season. Whether you love a simple classic or enjoy making them your own with twists and toppings, this recipe always delivers. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, chewy goodness of these delectable Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. With a perfect balance of brown sugar and butter, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Additional brown sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and softened butter until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix well.
- Combine and Scoop: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough.
- Bake: Place dough balls on baking sheets, bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Enhance flavors with cinnamon or toffee bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
