Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
There’s something incredibly warm and inviting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. The moment you pull those golden-brown delights from the oven, the aromatic scent of brown sugar mingling with just a hint of cinnamon is enough to make anyone’s heart flutter. Picture the beautifully chewy texture—plush centers that invite you in, with lightly crisp edges that give a delightful contrast. As you take your first bite of these chewy brown sugar cookies, you’re greeted with an explosion of cozy sweetness that wraps around you like a soft blanket.
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I remember the first time I baked these cookies during a chilly autumn afternoon, with the leaves outside swirling in a symphony of red and gold. My little kitchen was alive with laughter and the sounds of mixing bowls clattering as I whisked away. Those memories are filled with shared smiles and warm cups of cocoa by the hearth. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy evening in, or an unexpected visit from friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy. So, let’s get into making a batch of these irresistible chewy brown sugar cookies to create your own sweet moments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep time is just 15 minutes, with chilling, for a total of about 3 hours and 15 minutes before you have cookies ready to enjoy!
- Irresistible Flavor: Every bite bursts with rich brown sugar goodness and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon—pure comfort food!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Chewy centers with cracked tops, sprinkled with sugar, these cookies look as delightful as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—snack time, holidays, or even a cozy breakfast treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the recipe for different dietary needs, including gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/3 cups): This is the foundation of your cookies; it helps create that chewy texture. Spoon and level to avoid excess flour.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise as they bake, giving them that perfect puffiness.
- Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): It adds softness and moisture—an essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add warmth; you can increase to 1 teaspoon if you want more cinnamon flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, melted): Melting the butter brings out a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s slightly cooled before mixing to avoid scrambling the egg.
- Light or Dark Brown Sugar (1 and 1/4 cups): Packed brown sugar gives these cookies their signature chewy texture and deep caramel flavor; a mix of light and dark is my favorite for balance.
- Large Egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients together, lending richness to the dough. Best at room temperature for optimal blending.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): This adds a lovely depth of flavor; always opt for pure for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): For rolling the cookie dough balls, giving them a delightful sparkle and slight crunch on the outside.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and salt until even, ensuring no lumps remain. This creates a uniform base for your dough, promoting an even bake later on. Set the bowl aside while you mix up the wet ingredients. Trust me, the correct flour mixture is key to achieving that chewy texture!
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with the brown sugar. Whisk until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. This step is crucial as the butter should be cool enough to prevent cooking the egg, leading to a silky batter.
Fold Together Gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula or a large wooden spoon to gently mix everything together until fully combined—don’t overwork the dough! Your dough will be soft, slightly sticky, and thick, which is ideal for creating those chewy cookie centers.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours (or up to 3 days if you want to plan ahead). Chilling the dough is an important step that enhances the flavor and texture, ensuring you get that perfect chewiness once baked.
Shape and Preheat: When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough and let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes if it’s been chilled for longer than 4 hours. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Roll and Bake: In a small bowl, pour in the granulated sugar used for rolling. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into balls approximately 1.5 tablespoons in size. Roll them in the sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about three inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, until the edges set and cracks form on top. They should puff up and still be soft in the center. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your chewy brown sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. For freezing, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they will keep well for up to three months. When you crave a treat, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave will rejuvenate them, making them just as chewy and delightful. Just be careful not to overheat!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the chill: Chilling the dough is essential. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop incredible flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better mixing. This helps bind the dough effectively.
- Don’t Overbake: Remember that cookies continue to bake on the sheet after being pulled from the oven. Keep an eye on the time to avoid dryness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time, chilling it until you’re ready to bake fresh cookies!
The cozy, sweet flavors of these chewy brown sugar cookies will win you over time and time again. They’re not just cookies; they’re a way to create cherished moments in your kitchen and around the table. The simplicity of this recipe means you can whip them up for any occasion, and I encourage you to play around with flavors and mix-ins! Taste them, share them, and most importantly, enjoy every soft, chewy bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can also freeze the dough in rolled balls and bake them fresh as desired. Just remember to extend the baking time slightly if baking from frozen.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Overmixing your dough or using warm butter can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter is melted but not hot, and be cautious when mixing; combine until just incorporated. Chilling the dough is also key in preventing them from spreading too much!
How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for up to a month for maximum freshness. What a perfect way to save these delightful treats for later!
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar slightly, though it may alter the chewy texture. Experimenting with slight adjustments can help you find your ideal balance!
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📖 Recipe Card
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are a comforting delight with a rich flavor profile and chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these simple cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 and 1/4 cups Light or Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth; mix in egg and vanilla extract.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 3-4 hours.
- Roll into balls, coat with granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake at 325°F for 14-16 minutes until edges set; cool on wire rack.
Notes
Chill the dough to enhance flavor and prevent cookies from spreading too much.
Ensure butter is melted and cooled to prevent scrambling the egg.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
