Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Super soft and chewy brown sugar cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves! Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a rich flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth. With no mixer required, you can whip up a batch quickly and easily, making them an excellent choice for last-minute dessert cravings or planned gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No mixer is needed, simplifying the baking process.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy, giving you that perfect bite.
• Versatile Flavor: You can customize the cinnamon level based on your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: They stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with your chewy brown sugar cookies, ensure you have the right tools ready. This will make the baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber spatula: Helps mix the dough thoroughly without overworking it.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Super soft and chewy brown sugar cookies – no mixer required!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (use 1 teaspoon if you love cinnamon)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar

How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Toss together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until no lumps remain. Add the egg and whisk well. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Dough

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a large spoon or rubber spatula to mix until combined. The dough will be soft yet thick. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Once ready to bake, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes if chilled longer than 2 hours. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) while preparing your baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Pour granulated sugar into a bowl. Take about 2 scant tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, then coat in granulated sugar. Place them about three inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven, gently press down on each cookie’s top using a utensil or your fingers to create crinkles. Return them to the oven for an additional 2-4 minutes until they appear puffy but still soft in the middle.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue cooking slightly while cooling on the sheet.

Cookies will stay fresh covered at room temperature for one week! Enjoy your delicious chewy brown sugar cookies!

How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Chewy brown sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk complements the sweetness and chewiness of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat that is both chewy and creamy.

Warm with Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle warm cookies with melted chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your chewy brown sugar cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Fresh Fruit

• Pair the richness of the cookies with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or apple slices, to balance flavors.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top the cookies with whipped cream and berries for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

How to Perfect Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

To achieve the ultimate chewy texture in your brown sugar cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the mixture, contributing to a better texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they are slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being taken out of the oven.
• Quality Butter: Using high-quality unsalted butter enhances flavor and contributes to the overall chewiness of your cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it down and creating dry cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust baking times slightly. Keep an eye on them!

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

While chewy brown sugar cookies are fantastic on their own, they can be complemented by various side dishes. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances sweetness and adds richness.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the density of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Milkshake: This indulgent shake pairs well with sweets, enhancing flavors while providing a fun twist.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a healthy yet delicious complement.
5. Nutella Dipping Sauce: Warm Nutella creates an irresistible dip that takes cookie enjoyment up a notch.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over your cookie or serving it as a dip adds extra sweetness and depth.
7. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create a savory contrast that balances out the cookie’s sweetness.
8. Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth and spices in chai enhance the flavors in brown sugar cookies, making them even more comforting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy brown sugar cookies can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter does not blend well with sugar and can lead to dense cookies. Always melt and slightly cool the butter before mixing.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving a chewy texture. Don’t rush this step; chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking results in hard cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Keep a close eye on them, as they continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can affect how well the ingredients combine. Use eggs at room temperature for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep cookies at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.

Freezing Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until soft. Be careful not to overdo it!
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding chewy brown sugar cookies:

How do I make my Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies softer?

To keep your chewy brown sugar cookies soft, ensure you don’t overbake them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes! Dark brown sugar adds a richer flavor, but both types will work wonderfully in this recipe.

How long do Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Just scoop into balls and freeze before transferring to a container.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and cornstarch contributes to their delightful chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

These chewy brown sugar cookies are an irresistible treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness. Their soft texture makes them perfect for any occasion, and you can easily customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!