Imagine biting into a cookie that’s irresistibly soft at the center, crisp at the edges, and packed with cozy caramel flavor – that’s exactly what you get with these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. They’re my go-to for a quick baking fix that never disappoints, mixing up in no time and delivering that classic, nostalgic chewiness we all crave. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or baking for a crowd-pleasing dessert table, these cookies check every box for texture, flavor, and pure comfort.

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity – each ingredient plays a vital role in building those rich flavors, that signature chewy texture, and the golden, crackly tops. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure without making them dense.
Baking soda: For just the right amount of lift so they don’t turn cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out those deep, caramel notes.
Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a tender, chewy cookie while lending buttery richness to every bite.
Packed light brown sugar: The star ingredient – this is what makes the cookies extra chewy and delivers bold, toffee-like flavor.
Large egg plus 1 egg yolk: Helps keep the cookies moist and soft for days.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor, adding warmth and a bakery-style aroma.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): A simple roll before baking gives the finished cookies an irresistible sparkly finish and subtle crunch.

How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper – this ensures your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies slide right off the pan and bake up evenly. Taking a moment to prep everything upfront will make the whole process a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This little extra step disperses the leavening and salt, setting the stage for a beautifully even texture in every cookie.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix your melted (but slightly cooled) butter with the brown sugar. Stir well until it’s smooth and glossy—this step means you’ll get those classic chewy centers. Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir again until the mixture is fully combined and silky.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until the cookie dough comes together. A gentle hand here helps protect that tender, chewy texture, so stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks left.

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out dough balls. Roll each between your palms for a smooth shape, then gently toss them in granulated sugar. This not only gives Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies their classic crackling exterior but also a lovely, delicate crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Space the dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges look set and the centers are still slightly soft and underbaked—this is the secret to that perfect chew. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking adds a beautiful finish and extra layer of flavor. For festivities, drizzle with a little white chocolate or top with a few sprinkles for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a lovely dessert plate that elevates your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies to special-occasion status.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches, stack them in a ribbon-tied cellophane bag for gifting, or tuck them inside a rustic bakery box for a charming take-home treat at parties. Layering them on a pretty platter with a touch of parchment adds a homemade, heartfelt touch to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly tender for up to a week – though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

This dough is a dream for making ahead: scoop and roll the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey bite, pop a Chewy Brown Sugar Cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back the soft center and releases all the amazing brown sugar aroma, almost as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Why do these cookies stay soft and chewy so long?

The high ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, along with the extra egg yolk and melted butter, locks in moisture and creates that signature chewy texture that lasts for days.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Fold in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even butterscotch morsels to customize your Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies and make each batch a little different.

What makes brown sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

Brown sugar lends a rich, caramelized flavor and adds extra moisture for chewiness, while traditional sugar cookies tend to be lighter in color and a bit crisper.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Take the cookies out when the edges look just set and the centers appear pale and slightly underdone – they’ll continue to set as they cool, ensuring the ultimate chewy bite.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double (or even triple) the recipe; just watch your oven space and rotate baking sheets as needed. Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are always a hit at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a classic treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich caramel notes, you simply have to try these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. It’s a recipe that delivers every time, sure to earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy cookie bliss!

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are a classic favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set.
Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.