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Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies (Warm, Buttery & Perfectly Soft)

These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, warm, buttery, and full of deep caramel sweetness thanks to brown sugar. They bake up with slightly crisp edges and irresistibly chewy centers — the kind of cookie that melts on your tongue but still has that perfect bakery bite. The flavor is cozy and comforting, like a brown sugar caramel latte in cookie form. They’re simple, beautiful, and always a crowd favorite — especially with a glass of milk or warm tea.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar light or dark both work
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Optional for rolling:
  • Extra granulated sugar or coarse sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

step1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy — about 2 minutes.
    step2: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
      step3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
        step4: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
          step5: Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes. This helps cookies stay thick and chewy.
            step6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
              step7: Scoop dough into balls (about 1½ tbsp each).
              1. Optional → Roll in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
              step8: Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
                step9: Bake for 8–11 minutes, until edges look set but centers are still soft.
                1. They should look slightly underbaked — that’s what keeps them chewy.
                step10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

                  Notes

                  🧊 Storage & Reheating
                  Store cookies in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
                  Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.
                  To rewarm: microwave 6–8 seconds for warm, soft centers again.
                  🥄 Variations (Normal Style)
                  Cinnamon Brown Sugar Cookies:
                  Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough — warm and cozy.
                  Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles:
                  Roll in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.
                  Salted Brown Sugar Cookies:
                  Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies.
                  Nutty Caramel Flavor:
                  Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
                  Vanilla Bean Bakery Style:
                  Replace some vanilla with vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor.
                  ❓ 10 FAQs
                  Why chill the dough?
                  It helps keep cookies thick and chewy.
                  Can I use dark brown sugar?
                  Yes — it makes the flavor richer and deeper.
                  Should the cookies brown on top?
                  No — remove when centers still look soft.
                  Can I use salted butter?
                  Yes — reduce added salt slightly.
                  Can I make them without rolling in sugar?
                  Yes — rolling just adds texture and sparkle.
                  Why did my cookies spread too much?
                  Dough was too warm — chill longer next time.
                  Can I double the recipe?
                  Absolutely — they freeze perfectly.
                  Can I make them smaller?
                  Yes — reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes.
                  How do I make them extra chewy?
                  Slightly underbake and do not overmix.
                  Can kids help?
                  Yes — shaping and sugar rolling are fun and easy.
                  🏁 Conclusion
                  These Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies are warm, soft, and deeply comforting. With their caramel-like sweetness and perfect chew, they’re the kind of cookie that feels like a hug — simple, nostalgic, and impossible to eat just one.