Chewy brown sugar cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, offering an irresistibly soft and rich texture that cookie lovers crave. The secret behind their unique flavor lies in the use of brown sugar, which adds moisture and depth with hints of caramel and molasses.
Unlike regular sugar cookies, chewy brown sugar cookies maintain a soft center with a delicate crisp edge, making them the ultimate comfort treat for any occasion. Brown sugar, particularly dark brown sugar, imparts not only color but also an undeniably warm, toasty undertone that pairs wonderfully with simple pantry ingredients.
Historically, cookies have been enjoyed as a sweet treat for centuries, originating from test cakes used by bakers to gauge oven temperature. The idea of using brown sugar for an extra chewy texture likely evolved as home baking became a beloved tradition, with bakers seeking ways to perfect their recipes.
Chewy brown sugar cookies are now a staple in many households, especially during the holiday season, potlucks, and family gatherings. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe delivers cookies that are perfectly chewy, easy to make, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you're looking for a cookie that's full of flavor, with a soft bite and a caramel undertone, chewy brown sugar cookies are the way to go.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 ¼ cups packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If you are adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon, fold them in now.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy brown sugar cookies!
Nutritional Information
The chewy brown sugar cookies recipe yields cookies that are indulgent but can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie averages around 150-170 calories, with approximately 7-8 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 23-25 grams of carbohydrates.
The use of brown sugar not only provides sweetness but also adds trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium due to the presence of molasses.
While these cookies do contain saturated fats from butter and sugars, enjoying them as a treat can contribute to a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction, which is important for a healthy relationship with food.
Most of the calories come from carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost that is perfect for a midday snack or post-meal dessert. Fiber can be slightly increased by adding nuts or whole grain flour.
For those with dietary restrictions, consider swapping standard butter for plant-based alternatives or using a sugar substitute. It's important to note that these cookies are a treat and should be eaten alongside a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Chewy brown sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any celebration when consumed in moderation, bringing comfort and happiness with their deep caramel flavor and satisfying texture.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Chewy brown sugar cookies pair exceptionally well with a wide range of beverages due to their deep caramel notes and tender texture.
For a comforting and classic pairing, enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate, which complements the cookies' sweetness and enhances their richness.
If you prefer adult pairings, opt for a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato wine; their fruit-forward profiles balance the caramel undertones of the cookies.
For coffee lovers, a robust cup of dark roast coffee or a frothy cappuccino is an excellent choice, as the slight bitterness of the coffee offsets the brown sugar sweetness. Tea enthusiasts can select chai for its spices or a simple black tea for a soothing and balanced pairing.
For a unique twist, try serving with a vanilla or caramel-flavored latte, which echoes the flavors found in chewy brown sugar cookies and makes for a truly decadent treat.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For the chewiest texture in your brown sugar cookies, it's essential to use melted butter and a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar.
Melting the butter and allowing it to cool slightly before mixing ensures that the cookies will spread just enough in the oven, creating soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
Chilling the dough is key, as it prevents the cookies from over-spreading and helps deepen the flavor profile, making for an irresistibly chewy result. If you prefer a touch of spice, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg for warmth.
Mix-ins such as chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts add delightful texture and can be customized to your taste. For a festive twist during the holidays, try adding dried cranberries or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt before baking.
Always ensure you measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, rather than packing it in, to avoid dry cookies. Experiment with substituting part of the flour for whole wheat or oat flour for added nutrition and a hearty flavor.
If you like extra-large cookies, use a larger cookie scoop and adjust baking time by an extra minute or two. For even browning, bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven and rotate halfway through.
Storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread will help maintain their chewiness for several days.
Serving Suggestions
Serving chewy brown sugar cookies can be both simple and creative, making them perfect for any occasion. Freshly baked cookies are best enjoyed still slightly warm from the oven when their centers are soft and gooey.
For an everyday treat, present them on a decorative plate alongside a glass of milk, which enhances their rich, caramel flavor and gives a nostalgic touch.
If you are hosting a gathering or celebration, consider arranging the cookies on a tiered serving tray with other varieties of cookies or small desserts to create an eye-catching dessert table.
Chewy brown sugar cookies also make thoughtful homemade gifts; simply stack a few in a glass jar or tie them in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for holidays, birthdays, or care packages.
For an indulgent dessert, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich that guests of all ages will love. These cookies are also a wonderful addition to lunchboxes or picnic hampers, as they travel well and stay soft for days.
To add a gourmet touch, dust the tops of warm cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. No matter how you serve them, chewy brown sugar cookies are sure to delight with every bite, making them a versatile and welcome addition to any menu year-round.
Health Benefits
While chewy brown sugar cookies are an indulgence, they do offer a few nutritional benefits when enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. Brown sugar contains molasses, which provides trace minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, offering a slight edge over plain white sugar in terms of micronutrient content.
Including nuts such as pecans or walnuts in the recipe can boost healthy fats, add protein, and contribute to heart health. Moderation is key, as these cookies are still a source of refined sugars and saturated fats, but allowing yourself the occasional treat is important for satisfaction and overall well-being.
To make this recipe a bit healthier, you could reduce the sugar slightly or substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe can be adapted with plant-based butter or gluten-free flour blends.
Enjoying cookies like these after a balanced meal can reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes. Overall, chewy brown sugar cookies provide happiness, comfort, and a sense of tradition—important factors for holistic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep your chewy brown sugar cookies soft and chewy, use more brown sugar than white sugar, avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give your cookies a deeper molasses flavor and even more chewiness. The cookies might be slightly darker in color as well.
Popular mix-ins include chocolate chips, caramel chunks, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and spices like cinnamon or ginger for added flavor and texture.
Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies up to three months and thaw as needed.
Chewy brown sugar cookies stand out among cookie recipes with their tender texture, rich caramel notes, and satisfying chew. This recipe offers clear and simple steps, making it an approachable and rewarding bake for bakers of all skill levels. The possibilities for customization through mix-ins and variations mean you can adapt the cookies to any season or occasion, while following the provided tips ensures consistent, delicious results every time. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just as a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to win you compliments and smiles. Remember, while enjoying chewy brown sugar cookies, savor each bite and share with loved ones for maximum enjoyment. Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 ¼ cups packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
-
3In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
-
4Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
-
5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
6If you are adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon, fold them in now.
-
7Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
-
8Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
-
9Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
-
10Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy brown sugar cookies!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!
