Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
The scent of warm, freshly baked Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies wafting through the kitchen is enough to evoke memories of carefree afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Imagine pulling a tray from the oven, the golden edges hugging a soft, plump center that promises a delightful chew. As you gently break one apart, the sweet aroma fills the air, mingling with a hint of cinnamon, inviting you to experience this nostalgic treat. Whether it’s a crisp autumn day or a cozy winter evening, these cookies are sure to wrap you in warmth and comfort.
Table of Contents
As a child, I remember the anticipation that came with baking sessions—flour dusted across the countertops, laughter echoing through the house, and of course, the joy of sneaking a warm cookie straight from the tray. There’s something incredibly special about sharing cookies with friends or loved ones, and this simple recipe for Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies truly captures that spirit. It’s perfect for any occasion—a simple weeknight treat or a special dessert during gatherings. I’m so excited for you to create memories of your own with this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients and no mixer needed, you can whip these up in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich brown sugar gives these cookies a cozy sweetness that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Puffed yet slightly crinkled, these cookies look as good as they taste!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast (we won’t tell!).
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with just a few swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/3 cups): This forms the base of our cookies. Spoon it lightly into your measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and creates the perfect chewy texture.
- Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): This helps to create a soft, tender cookie. It’s essential for that classic chewiness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A warm spice that boosts flavor. Craving more cinnamon? Feel free to add an extra teaspoon!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brings balance to the sweetness, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup): Melted and slightly cooled, butter adds richness. Remember, unsalted is key to controlling the overall saltiness.
- Brown Sugar (1 and 1/4 cups): Either light or dark works; I love using half of each for a delightful depth of flavor.
- Large Egg (1): At room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. Take it out ahead to warm up!
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. Opt for pure rather than imitation for the best taste.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Just for rolling the cookies, creating a lovely, sparkly texture on the outside.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Whisk Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined. This step ensures that all your dry components are mixed well, promoting even results in your cookie dough. Set this bowl aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, whisking until there are no lumps. It should look glossy and smooth! Then, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully blended. This creates a rich mixture that will add moisture and flavor to your cookies.
Combine Ingredients: Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a silicone spatula or a large wooden spoon, mix the two together until fully combined. Your dough will be thick and slightly sticky, so don’t worry if it’s not your typical cookie dough consistency—this means it will produce that chewy texture we love!
Chill the Dough: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 to 4 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling the dough is crucial, as it firms up the dough and allows the flavors to develop. If you’ve chilled it for longer than 4 hours, let it soften at room temperature for 15 minutes before moving on.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly. You’ll want to prepare yourself for the delicious smell that’s about to invade your kitchen!
Form and Roll: Take out your chilled dough and scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (30-35g) of dough at a time. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll it in granulated sugar until fully coated. Place the sugar-coated balls about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
Bake Until Perfect: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, until the edges are set and small cracks appear on the surface. The center will still look soft—that’s perfect! They will carry on baking as they cool, turning into the chewy delights you’re hoping for. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to stretch their life, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 10 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer—just make sure they’re tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months! When it’s time to enjoy more cookies, simply reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their warm, chewy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is not too hot when mixing with brown sugar to avoid cooking the egg.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measuring, especially for flour; weighing ingredients can yield the best results.
- If your dough seems too thick to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor dimension.
- These cookies are great for freezer storage, so consider making a double batch for future cravings!
Not only are these cookies a testament to the joy of baking, but they also bring back fond memories with each melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Experimentation is highly encouraged—what about adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking? Or perhaps incorporating some chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Enjoy each moment as you create these delightful Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies to share with family and friends!
Recipe FAQs
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delightful way to enhance these cookies. Simply fold in about 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips when combining the wet and dry ingredients. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate for a fun variation!
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you find yourself without brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to replicate the taste and moisture. For every cup of brown sugar needed, mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Mix well before adding it to your recipe!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not having enough chilling time. Always ensure the dough is chilled for at least 3 hours. If you find the dough is too soft after mixing, place it in the fridge for another 15-30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Enjoy the same chewy texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive eaters!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
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📖 Recipe Card
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12-15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are simply delightful, featuring a soft texture and rich flavor thanks to brown sugar and butter. A must-try for easy, homemade treats!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/3 cups)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup)
- Brown Sugar (1 and 1/4 cups)
- Large Egg (1)
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, mixing until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, whisking to blend.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Chill the dough for 3 to 4 hours, or up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Scoop dough, roll into balls, and coat with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until edges are set and tops are cracked.
- Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a rack.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is not too hot when mixing.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Reheat cookies at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
