There’s something magical about the warm, caramel-like sweetness of chewy brown sugar cookies. These cookies are soft, buttery, and irresistibly rich, with a slight crisp around the edges that gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Perfect for cookie lovers who crave comfort and sweetness, these treats are simple to make but packed with flavor.
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie swap or just looking for an easy dessert to share with family, these brown sugar cookies hit the mark every time.
The first time I baked these cookies, the aroma of brown sugar and butter filled the kitchen and instantly brought back childhood memories of baking with my grandmother.
They were such a hit that they became a staple in my dessert rotation. The key to their perfect chewiness? Using extra brown sugar and just a hint of molasses for depth.
Pair these delightful cookies with a warm cinnamon roll for a cozy treat or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you enjoyed it! I’d love to hear about any fun variations or pairings you come up with.
What’s so Special About This Dish?
- Incredible Texture: Soft and chewy with just the right crisp edges—cookie perfection!
- Deep Flavor: The brown sugar and molasses create a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to recipe.
- Crowd Favorite: These cookies are always the first to disappear at parties and gatherings.
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or large spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking sheets
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch*
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon use 1 teaspoon if you love cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 12 Tbsp; 170g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled*
- 1 and 1/4 cups 250g packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup 67g granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Combine the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until a soft, thick dough forms. Cover and chill for 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- Let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if chilled for over 2 hours. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place 3 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, press tops to create a crinkly effect, then bake for another 2-4 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Variations You May Love to Hit Upon!
Here are some creative, expert-level variations to elevate this cookie recipe:
Flavor Infusions:
- Brown Butter Upgrade: Swap melted butter with browned butter to add a deep, nutty flavor to the cookies. Let the browned butter cool slightly before using.
- Spice Blend: Replace ground cinnamon with a mix of chai spices (1/4 teaspoon each of cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice) for a warm and aromatic twist.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Add 1–2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest to the wet ingredients for a subtle citrusy note that complements the brown sugar.
Texture Enhancements:
- Oatmeal Twist: Substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with finely ground oats for a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- Crunch Factor: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans or hazelnuts for added crunch and richness.
- Double Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of cocoa powder before rolling the dough for a more complex sugary crust.
Unique Add-Ins:
- Espresso Boost: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the wet ingredients for a subtle coffee undertone.
- Salted Caramel Surprise: Add a small piece of caramel to the center of each dough ball before rolling, ensuring a gooey caramel center when baked.
- Chocolate Studded: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a touch of decadence without overpowering the cookie’s classic flavor.
Presentation Upgrades:
- Gilded Edges: Brush the tops of the cookies with a light egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar or edible glitter for a sparkly finish.
- Dipped Perfection: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or freeze-dried berries.
- Layered Flavors: Sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or Nutella for a decadent treat.
Each of these variations adds a special touch that enhances the original recipe while keeping it interesting and refined—perfect for a baker looking to impress!
