Name: Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490234H33M19S
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 (or 1 teaspoon for cinnamon lovers); 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (170g); 1 and 1/4 cups Brown Sugar (250g); 1 large Egg (room temperature); 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract; 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (67g for rolling)

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The heavenly scent of warm, gooey cookies wafting through your home is the kind of experience that engulfs your senses and takes you back to simpler times. Imagine soft, chewy brown sugar cookies with plush centers and lightly crisp edges that melt in your mouth. These cookies are brimming with cozy brown sugar sweetness, and each bite is like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re baking on a crisp autumn afternoon, cozying up to a winter gathering, or just indulging your sweet tooth any day of the week, this recipe will remind you of cherished moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones.

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

As I stir the dough, I can’t help but remember my grandmother’s laughter as we baked together, her apron dusted with flour and hands coated in cookie dough. Her special secret was the way she would whisper affectionate tidbits about each ingredient, making even the most straightforward recipe feel like a treasured family treasure. You too can create these magical moments with these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies that are not just easy to whip up but also time-honored and delicious. So grab your ingredients, and let’s start baking together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: No mixer is required, and the whole process takes just about 3.5 hours, including chilling time!
Irresistible Flavor: The luscious combination of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon creates a flavor that is comforting and sweet.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their slightly crackled tops and golden edges, these cookies are a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snack time, a cozy dessert, or even for gifting during the holidays!
Diet-Friendly Options: Need gluten-free? Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and you’re all set!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/3 cups, 292g): This is your base that gives the cookies structure. Spoon and level it for accuracy; too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps your cookies rise to their perfect puffy state.
Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): A secret weapon for enhancing chewiness, keeping your cookies tender and soft.
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, or 1 teaspoon for cinnamon lovers): Adds warmth and a touch of spice that compliments the sweetness perfectly.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, 170g): Melted butter gives these cookies their rich flavor. Make sure it has cooled slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the egg.
Brown Sugar (1 and 1/4 cups, 250g): Packed tightly, this is the star that brings moisture and that delightful caramel-like flavor. Using a mix of light and dark is a great way to add depth.
Egg (1 large at room temperature): This acts as a binder and adds moisture.
Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Quality vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, making each bite more aromatic and delicious.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup, 67g for rolling): Coating the dough balls in sugar before baking gives them a delightful crunch.

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. Mixing these together first ensures even distribution, which helps the cookies maintain a consistent flavor and texture throughout.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and lump-free. Then, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended and create a lovely velvety mixture.

Fold Together Gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a silicone spatula or large wooden spoon to mix until you no longer see flour streaks. The dough will be soft but thick, and that’s just the way you want it!

Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or up to three days. Chilling is non-negotiable—it helps develop deeper flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Preheat and Prepare: Once the dough is chilled, let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes if it’s been in the fridge for longer than 4 hours. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While that’s heating, line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Roll and Dust: Pour the granulated sugar into a small bowl. Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough—about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie. Roll each ball in the sugar, giving them a delightful sweet coating. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes. You’re looking for slightly set edges and a puffy center that still looks soft. They may appear underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Once baked to perfection, take them out and let cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to make them ahead of time, refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. For longer-term storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To refresh thawed cookies, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that delightful chewiness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid letting the cookie dough sit out too long; if it warms up, it can spread too much while baking.
Use room-temperature eggs and melted butter for a smoother dough consistency.
Experiment with the spices! Adding a touch of nutmeg can add another layer of flavor.
If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Freeze dough balls before baking so you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

In a world where life can whiz by in a blur, having the time to bake and enjoy a batch of Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies is a delightful treat. They offer not only that comforting taste but also an opportunity to gather friends and family, to share stories and moments over warm cookies fresh from the oven. Don’t be shy about adding your flair; try incorporating chocolate chips or nuts! Experiment with spices to create your unique flavor twist. No matter how you enjoy them, these cookies are sure to warm your heart.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give your cookies a richer, more molasses-like flavor, which can be wonderful. You can even use a mixture of both to achieve a balanced flavor.

How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be firm and the centers to remain soft. The cookies will deflate a little as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem puffy coming out of the oven; they’re totally meant to be soft and chewy.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before or after you shape it into balls. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in freezer-safe bags and it’ll be good for up to three months. Just add a bit more baking time if baking from frozen.

What’s the best way to store the cookies to keep them chewy?

To maintain the cookies’ softness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them moist even longer!