If you’re craving a cookie that offers the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and a little richness, then this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These cookies boast a delightful chewiness that comes from the generous use of dark brown sugar and a touch of egg yolk, creating a tender texture you’ll want to savor with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers classic comfort in cookie form, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, chewy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in shaping the flavor, texture, and color of your chewy brown sugar cookies, giving them that irresistible depth and soft bite.
- Dark brown sugar: Brings rich molasses notes that make the cookies chewy and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with a light crust.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides creaminess and moisture for a tender cookie base.
- Egg and egg yolk: Supply structure and extra moistness to achieve chewiness.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together perfectly.
- Baking soda: A gentle leavening agent that lets the cookies spread to the right softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Offers a warm, fragrant note to elevate the overall taste.
How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures your oven is ready to create those golden edges and soft centers as soon as the dough hits the tray.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream them together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process is key to incorporating air and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and extra egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract, blending everything thoroughly. The egg yolk contributes to the chewy texture, while the vanilla enhances the cookie’s inviting aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded balls of the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them generously. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges to turn golden while centers remain soft. This timing is crucial for that perfect chewy center.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly without losing the softness that makes this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe so special.
How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking for a fun contrast that enhances the deep sweetness of the brown sugar. Or, if you’re feeling festive, add a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking to introduce warm spice notes.
Side Dishes
These chewy treats pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a mug of warm coffee or tea. For a special occasion, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the indulgence factor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a charming cookie platter by stacking these cookies with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or peanut butter. You can even sandwich two cookies with a spread of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a playful twist on classic chewy brown sugar cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chewy brown sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their softness by keeping moisture balanced.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls on a tray before baking, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Enjoy them fresh and chewy all over again!
FAQs
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of dark brown sugar and extra egg yolk adds moisture and density, resulting in a soft, chewy texture rather than a crispy or crunchy one.
Can I substitute the dark brown sugar for light brown sugar?
Light brown sugar can be used; however, dark brown sugar imparts a richer molasses flavor and deeper color that really defines this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps control spread. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as older leavening agents can affect texture and spread.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit add delightful texture and flavor contrasts that complement the chewy base beautifully.
Are these cookies good for storing and gifting?
Yes, these cookies maintain their chewy texture well when stored properly, making them an excellent homemade gift option that friends and family will adore.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, trying this Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become a highlight of your baking routine. The combination of warmth, sweetness, and that perfect chewy texture creates an unmistakable comfort cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowl, get those ingredients ready, and I promise you’ll be reaching for second (and maybe third) cookies in no time.
Print
Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a soft, chewy center and lightly crisp edges. Made with dark brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, they offer a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s perfect for any cookie lover. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are ideal for snacks, dessert, or sharing during gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for even baking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Portion the dough: Scoop rounded balls of cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them adequately to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy brown sugar cookies!
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor and chewier texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft centers; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spread for thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For variations, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
