Easy Soft and Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Are you in the mood for an easy cookie recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these irresistibly chewy brown sugar cookies! Packed with the rich flavour of brown sugar and a touch of molasses, these cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. I’ve tested this recipe until perfect and I’m excited to guide you through the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious brown sugar cookies that are sure to become a household favourite.

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

You’ll love this cookie recipe because it combines the rich flavor of brown sugar and molasses with a perfect chewy texture, making each bite a delightful indulgence. The ease of preparation and the irresistible combination of sweet and slightly crispy edges make these cookies a go-to treat for any occasion.

Plus, the touch of vanilla adds a warm and comforting aroma to your kitchen while baking. These cookies are simply irresistible!

Brown Sugar Cookie Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp of baking soda
• 3/4 tsp of salt
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups of brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp of molasses
• 1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of white sugar (for rolling)

How to make Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now.

Cream the Butter: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

Add the Brown Sugar, Molasses, and Vanilla: Gradually add the packed brown sugar, molasses, and pure vanilla extract to the butter. Continue to beat the mixture until it’s well combined and fluffy. The molasses will impart a rich, caramel-like flavour to the cookies.

Incorporate the Eggs: One at a time, add the eggs to the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will give your cookies a smooth and consistent texture.

Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients: Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want these to be wonderfully chewy!

Shape the Cookie Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. You should have approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie.

Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the white sugar to coat it evenly. This will add a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to the cookies.

Bake to Perfection: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

A Few Tips for Making Brown Sugar Cookies

Here are a few tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract. These ingredients can significantly impact the flavour and texture of your cookies.
2. Properly Measure Your Flour: Be precise when measuring your flour. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Fluff the flour with a spoon, lightly spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
3. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. Softened butter is easier to cream with the sugar and will yield a smoother cookie dough.
4. Don’t Skip the Molasses: The tablespoon of molasses not only adds flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ signature chewiness. Be sure not to omit this ingredient.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for creating a tender and chewy texture. This step should take a few minutes.
6. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.
7. Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This will make it easier to handle and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
8. Uniform Cookie Sizes: To ensure even baking, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to measure out uniform portions of dough. This helps all your cookies bake consistently.
9. Roll in Sugar Just Before Baking: Coat the dough balls in white sugar just before placing them in the oven. This step adds a sweet, crisp exterior to the cookies.
10. Monitor Baking Time Closely: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be removed from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking at around 12 minutes.

Suggested: How to Moisten Dry Cookie Dough

How To Store These Brown Sugar Cookies

Storing your freshly baked Brown Sugar Cookies properly will help maintain their freshness and deliciousness. Here’s how to store them:

Store At Room Temperature

1. Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This is crucial to prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container, which can make the cookies soggy.
2. Choose an Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container, like a cookie jar or a plastic container with a tight-sealing lid. Ensure the container is clean and dry.
3. Layer with Parchment or Wax Paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking together, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies in the container.
4. Seal Tightly: Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep air out. This will help maintain the cookies’ texture and flavour.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Place the airtight container in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The ideal temperature for storing cookies at room temperature is around 68-72°F (20-22°C).

Remember: Brown Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking when they are at their freshest and chewiest. Proper storage will help maintain their quality, but over time, they may lose some of their initial texture and flavor.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect batch of chewy and delicious Brown Sugar Cookies that everyone will enjoy!

Can You Freeze Brown Sugar Cookies

Yes, you can definitely freeze Brown Sugar Cookies for longer-term storage. Freezing can help you enjoy these delicious treats over an extended period without sacrificing their taste and texture. Here’s how to freeze them properly:

How to Freeze Brown Sugar Cookies

1. Cool Completely: Allow your freshly baked Brown Sugar Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. It’s essential to ensure they are at room temperature before freezing to prevent condensation inside the storage container.
2. Prepare for Freezing: Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. This initial freezing on a tray will prevent them from sticking together later.
3. Flash Freeze: Put the baking sheet with the cookies in the freezer for about 1-2 hours or until the cookies are firm to the touch. This step, known as flash freezing, prevents them from clumping together when stored in a container.
4. Store in an Airtight Container: Once the cookies are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. You can stack the cookies with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
5. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date you froze the cookies. This will help you keep track of their freshness.
6. Remove Excess Air: If using a resealable freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
7. Store in the Freezer: Place the airtight container or bag in the freezer, where the cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

How to Thaw These Brown Sugar Cookies

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Brown Sugar Cookies, here’s how to thaw them:

• Room Temperature: Simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. They will become soft and ready to enjoy.
• Oven: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet, and heat them for 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overheat to avoid drying them out.

Freezing your Brown Sugar Cookies allows you to have a stash of homemade treats ready whenever you crave them, whether it’s a few weeks or months down the road. Just ensure they are well-protected in an airtight container or bag to preserve their quality.

Other Cookies Recipes You’ll Love

• Banana Coconut and Oatmeal Cookies
• White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies
• Healthy Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
• Chickpea Peanut Butter Cookies
• Apple and Salted Caramel Cookies
• Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Finger Cookies

Final Thoughts

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade brown sugar cookies! Whether you savour them with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or simply on their own, these cookies are bound to become a family favourite. Share them with friends, bring them to a party, or keep them all to yourself – the choice is yours. Happy baking!