Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are the epitome of comfort in cookie form. These soft, flavorful cookies have a rich, caramel-like taste thanks to the brown sugar, with just the right amount of chewiness in every bite. Their simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s warm, sweet, and irresistible. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a bake sale treat—these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a cookie: soft, chewy, and full of deep, rich flavor. The brown sugar provides a caramel-like richness that regular white sugar just can’t match. They’re simple to make with basic ingredients, and they bake up to be the perfect combination of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. The best part? They stay chewy for days, making them the ideal cookie to enjoy over time. Whether you’re craving a classic or want to add a twist with a little spice, these cookies deliver.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/4 cups packed light or dark brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for added flavor)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a tough cookie.

5. Shape the Dough: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the dough ball in the granulated sugar to coat it. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18-20 cookies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully with brown sugar cookies.

• Spicy Brown Sugar Cookies: Add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced version.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.

• Stuffed Brown Sugar Cookies: Add a spoonful of caramel or Nutella in the center before baking for a gooey surprise inside.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and chewy for days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough by scooping the dough into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

• Reheating: To reheat the cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. How do I make these cookies even chewier?

For extra chewiness, be sure to not overbake them. Take the cookies out when they are just set but still soft in the center. You can also use a little extra brown sugar for an even chewier texture.

2. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes! Dark brown sugar will give the cookies a richer, deeper flavor because it contains more molasses. It will make the cookies slightly darker, but they will still be delicious.

3. Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?

Yes! While cinnamon adds a nice touch of warmth and flavor, you can leave it out for a more traditional brown sugar cookie flavor.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.

5. Can I make these cookies with margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly. Butter gives these cookies a rich flavor that margarine may not fully replicate.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden at the edges and just set in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

7. Can I add oats to these cookies?

Yes! If you love oatmeal cookies, you can add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for added texture and flavor.

8. How do I make these cookies more festive?

Add colorful sprinkles, or for a holiday twist, mix in chopped candied ginger or mini chocolate chips. These add-ins will make the cookies more festive and fun.

9. Can I use this dough for cookie bars instead?

Yes! You can press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

10. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies. Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

Conclusion

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that’s simple to make and filled with delicious flavor. The combination of rich brown sugar and soft, chewy texture makes these cookies the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or just as a sweet snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Try these today, and enjoy a batch of irresistibly soft and chewy cookies!

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