Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

These chewy brown sugar cookies are a delightful treat packed with rich caramel-like sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite is perfectly tender with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Quick and Easy: Requires simple pantry ingredients and comes together in no time.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain or enhance them with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Unique Flavor: The brown sugar imparts a deep, caramel-like flavor you won’t find in regular sugar cookies.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Bake Time: 8-10 minutes

Variations

• Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped pecans for extra flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
• Reheating: If the cookies become too soft, bake them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, dark brown sugar will provide a richer, deeper flavor due to its higher molasses content.

2. Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their chewy texture.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and follow the same directions.

4. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it for 5-10 seconds on a low setting.

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

The edges should be set, and the centers should look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand with a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon, but it may require more effort.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

8. What type of brown sugar works best?

Both light and dark brown sugar work well; choose based on your flavor preference.

9. Can I add oatmeal to this recipe?

Yes, replace half of the flour with old-fashioned oats for a chewy, oatmeal variation.

10. How can I make these cookies extra soft?

Don’t overbake them, and store them with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Chewy brown sugar cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat that will leave everyone asking for more. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade cookies!

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