🍪 Classic Soft & Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with caramel-like flavor, chances are brown sugar was the star ingredient. These Classic Soft & Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that feels nostalgic yet elevated—perfect for bake sales, cozy nights in, or impressing guests with a deceptively simple recipe.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these beauties lean into the deep, molasses-rich sweetness of brown sugar, giving them a warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Chewy Texture – No dry, crumbly cookies here. These stay tender for days.

• Caramel-Like Flavor – Brown sugar adds depth and richness that white sugar can’t match.

• One-Bowl Simplicity – Minimal cleanup, maximum payoff.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Dress them up with glaze or keep them rustic and simple.

• Freezer-Friendly – Make the dough ahead and bake fresh whenever the craving hits.

🛠️ Essential Baking Tools (Affiliate Picks)

To make these cookies foolproof, here are five must-have tools you can grab on Amazon (affiliate links):

1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer – Effortlessly creams butter and sugar to perfection.

2. OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measurements = consistent results.

3. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Baking Sheets – Even heat distribution for golden edges.

4. Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

5. ThermoPro Digital Kitchen Timer – Precision timing so your cookies never overbake.

📝 Ingredients (with Brand Suggestions)

Here’s what you’ll need for about 24 cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Gold Medal)

• 1 tsp baking soda (Arm & Hammer)

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt (Morton Fine Sea Salt)

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (Kerrygold for richness)

• 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed (Domino or Wholesome)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg (organic, free-range preferred)

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey for premium flavor)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep (5 minutes)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients (3 minutes)

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar (5 minutes)

• In a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients (2 minutes)

• Mix in egg and vanilla until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine (2 minutes)

• Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 6: Scoop & Chill (15 minutes)

• Scoop dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes (prevents spreading).

Step 7: Bake (10–12 minutes)

• Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

• Bake until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Cool (10 minutes)

• Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

🔢 Nutritional Breakdown (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 165

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 2g

💡 Expert Baking Tips

• Don’t skip chilling – It keeps cookies thick and chewy.

• Use room-temp butter – Too cold or melted butter changes the texture.

• Underbake slightly – They’ll finish setting as they cool.

• Try dark brown sugar – For an even deeper molasses flavor.

🎨 Creative Variations

1. Brown Sugar Espresso Cookies – Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder for a coffee kick.

2. Brown Sugar Toffee Crunch – Fold in ½ cup toffee bits for buttery crunch.

3. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl – Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.

🌟 What Makes These Cookies Unique?

Unlike standard sugar cookies, these rely almost entirely on brown sugar for sweetness. That means:

• A chewier texture thanks to molasses.

• A deeper, caramel-like flavor that feels cozy and indulgent.

• A golden hue that looks bakery-perfect.

🥡 Storage & Serving Suggestions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen (add 2 minutes).

• Serving Idea: Pair with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cookie sandwich.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light? A: Yes! It will give a stronger molasses flavor and slightly darker color.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough? A: Highly recommended—it prevents spreading and keeps cookies chewy.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Just make sure to mix in batches so the dough doesn’t get overworked.

✨ Final Thoughts

These Classic Soft & Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment here!), this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

👉 If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your cookie creations!

⚖️ Affiliate Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me keep sharing delicious recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Classic Soft & Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 32 minutes Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets.

2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.

4. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

6. Scoop dough into balls. Chill 15 minutes.

7. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

8. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.

Nutrition (per cookie): 165 calories, 7g fat, 24g carbs, 15g sugar, 2g protein.