Name: Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (292g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, for rolling

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The moment you crack open the oven door, the warm, sweet aroma of Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies fills your kitchen, curling around you like a cozy hug. These cookies have plush centers that invite a soft squeeze and crisp edges that give just enough resistance. The golden hue of the cookie, speckled with hints of cinnamon, is an invitation you simply cannot resist. I can still picture the first time I baked these delights. I was navigating my early baking days, filled with excitement and uncertainty, and these cookies quickly became a beloved staple in my home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Every occasion feels a little brighter when you have a plate of these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies to share. They’re perfect for school lunches, holiday gatherings, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up. The simplicity of whisking ingredients together without the need for a mixer makes this experience even more enjoyable. So grab your apron and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This is a no-fuss recipe that takes only about 3 hours 15 minutes, including the chilling time, and you’ll be diving into that cookie goodness before you know it.
Irresistible Flavor: The cozy brown sugar sweetness paired with a hint of cinnamon makes for a cookie that’s comforting and oh-so-delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their soft centers and slightly crisp edges, these cookies not only taste great but also look adorable on a plate.
Flexible Serving: These cookies are perfect for any time of day—enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a festive gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: For those needing alternatives, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour or use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/3 cups or 292g): Spooned and leveled for best results, this forms the backbone of the cookie. Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for a gluten-free option.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the cookies puff up beautifully while baking.
Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Adding cornstarch makes for a softer, chewier texture. Keep in mind it’s optional but recommended!
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): This adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the brown sugar—feel free to increase to 1 teaspoon if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balance of flavors.
Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup or 12 Tbsp; 170g): Melted and slightly cooled butter creates the luxurious, chewy texture. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
Brown Sugar (1 and 1/4 cups or 250g): Packed light or dark brown sugar gives depth and moistness to the cookies. Mixing both can yield a delicious result.
Large Egg (1): At room temperature, it binds all the ingredients together for that satisfying chew.
Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): This adds a lovely aroma and rounds out the sweet flavor nicely.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup or 67g): For rolling the dough balls in, this gives a delightful sweetness and texture when baked.

How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined. This step is essential as it ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps achieve a consistent texture throughout your cookies.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the brown sugar until there are no lumps remaining. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be creamy and smooth, which ensures an even distribution of flavor in your cookie dough.

Fold Together Gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a silicone spatula or large wooden spoon, mix gently until everything is just combined. You’ll notice the dough is soft yet thick. Avoid overmixing, as that can lead to a tougher cookie.

Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 3–4 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is crucial for developing the flavor and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

Preheat and Prepare: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and helps achieve a nice golden bottom.

Shape Cookies: Pour the granulated sugar into a small bowl. Using a cookie scoop, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball, then roll in the granulated sugar to coat. Place the dough balls about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This space ensures that your cookies have room to spread as they bake.

Bake Until Golden: Bake your cookies for 14–16 minutes, until you see that edges are set and small cracks become visible on top. The centers will appear soft and puffy; don’t worry if they look undercooked—they will continue to set as they cool down on the baking sheet.

Cool and Store: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps enhance their chewy texture. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’ve got some leftovers (which is rare), you can refrigerate them, but they might lose a little softness. For longer storage, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in an oven set to 300°F (149°C) to refresh their lovely texture and warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
Chill Well: Don’t skip the chilling step! This solidifies the fat and makes for thicker cookies that won’t spread during baking.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour in your measuring cup to avoid dense cookies that result from packing too much flour.
Room Temperature Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps incorporate ingredients better and creates a smoother batter.
Mix Up Flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your cookies to your liking!

The chewy texture and sweet flavor of these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies make them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or mix-ins to create your own unique twist. Whether you snack on a few yourself or share them with family and friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown sugar blends or substitutes?

Yes, you can use brown sugar substitutes or blends, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different. If you’re using a sugar substitute, ensure it measures Cup-for-Cup with regular brown sugar to maintain the balance in the recipe.

Why is the chilling step important?

Chilling the cookie dough helps solidify the fat before baking, which results in thicker cookies. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, leading to richer tasting cookies. Skipping this step can lead to flatter, less-developed cookies.

Can I skip the rolling in sugar step?

While rolling the dough balls in sugar contributes to a nice texture and sweetness on the outside, you can skip this step if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Just keep in mind that they may not have the same crispy edges as expected.

What can I add to enhance the flavors?

Consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to introduce new flavors and textures. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a fun touch. Another option is to add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the flavor profile!