These brown sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a delightful caramel-like flavor. They’re perfect for a sweet treat any time of day!
Making these cookies is a breeze! I love how the dough comes together quickly, and they disappear just as fast from the plate. Who can resist fresh cookies? 🍪
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, but it might change the texture a bit.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both are leavening agents, but if you only have one, you can still use what you have. Just use 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder if you don’t have baking soda.
Brown Sugar: I love using dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but light brown sugar works perfectly too. If you need a substitute, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of sugar.
Unsalted Butter: Butter gives these cookies their rich flavor. If you’re short on butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Just make sure it’s softened!
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth to the cookies. You can swap with almond extract for a different flavor profile, but start with half the amount as it’s stronger.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Chewy and Not Hard?
To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overmixing the dough—just combine until there are no dry spots. It’s also important to bake them until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Use room temperature butter; it helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time on the baking sheet; it allows them to firm up slightly before cooling completely.
- If you like extra chewiness, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking; it helps flavors meld and improves texture!
Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 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 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll have a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish before you can savor these yummy cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This way, it’s hot and ready for your cookies! While it’s heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Now, add in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Take your bowl of dry ingredients and gradually add it to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—stop as soon as there are no more dry flour spots!
6. Scoop and Roll the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll each one into a ball. Then, roll these dough balls in granulated sugar until they are well coated.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring you leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and they are just lightly golden on top.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before moving them. After that, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Now you can enjoy your deliciously chewy and flavorful brown sugar cookies, maybe with a glass of milk!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! While brown sugar is key for flavor and chewiness, you can use granulated sugar or even coconut sugar if needed. Just keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly, as brown sugar has more moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Cookie Dough?
Yes, feel free to customize the dough! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Just be careful not to add too many since it may change the dough’s consistency.
How Can I Make Them Softer or Chewier?
If you prefer softer cookies, try baking for a shorter time or chilling the dough before baking. Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape and enhances the flavor, resulting in a chewier texture.
