Brown Sugar Cookies: A Cozy Twist on the Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

There’s something irresistibly warm and comforting about brown sugar cookies. These cookies are a delicious spin on my basic sugar cookie recipe, swapping out white sugar for brown to bring out a richer, more caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy texture they’re known for.

While traditional sugar cookies have a light, crisp sweetness, brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that makes these cookies feel a little cozier—like the cookie version of your favorite fall sweater.

Why Brown Sugar?

The secret lies in the molasses content of brown sugar. When you use brown sugar in place of white, you get a moister dough that bakes up into a soft, chewy cookie, with hints of caramel that are especially satisfying when paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.

These cookies aren’t just sugary; they have a delightful complexity that makes each bite just a little more interesting than a basic sugar cookie.

Tips for the Perfect Chewy Brown Sugar Cookie

1. Use room-temperature butter – Creaming room-temperature butter with the brown sugar ensures a smooth, fluffy dough. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter may make your cookies too greasy.
2. Slightly underbake – If you like your cookies soft and chewy, pull them from the oven when the edges are just beginning to set but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet even after you pull them out.
3. Chill the dough – Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes helps control spreading and gives the cookies a denser, chewier texture. If you’re in a hurry, just 10-15 minutes in the freezer will help.
4. Adjust baking time and size for desired texture – For a chewier cookie, make them slightly larger and bake a bit longer at a lower temperature (around 325°F). Smaller, thinner cookies baked at a higher temperature will turn out crisper.

Brown Sugar Cookie Recipe Variations to Try

These brown sugar cookies are amazing on their own, but they also lend themselves well to a few fun variations:

• Add a touch of spice – Brown sugar pairs wonderfully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a mix of these spices to the dough for an autumnal twist.
• Mix in some chocolate – Chocolate chips or chunks are a great addition to these cookies. The caramel tones from the brown sugar complement the richness of dark or semi-sweet chocolate perfectly.
• Try a nutty addition – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch that balances out the cookie’s softness. If you’re feeling adventurous, give chopped macadamia nuts or hazelnuts a try for an extra-special treat.
• Sprinkle with sea salt – Right after baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. The salty touch brings out the caramel undertones of the brown sugar, making each bite extra satisfying.
• Form dough into balls and roll in sugar and cinnamon – Chill dough for about 30 minutes, and then roll into balls between the palm of your hands. Dip these in a mixture of 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and then bake as usual for a wonderful, churro cookie type flavor.

Brown Sugar Cookies

Recipe by Jessie

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

cookies

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Soft and chewy brown sugar cookies with a cozy caramel flavor! This easy recipe uses milk for extra richness and a tender bite, making these cookies perfect for any sweet craving. Bake up a batch for a warm, comforting treat!

Ingredients

• 1/2 c butter

• 1 c brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/2 c milk

• 2 c flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1.5 tsp baking powder

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add Egg and Milk: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the milk and mix until smooth.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
• Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
• Scoop and Place on Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft—this will help keep them chewy.
• Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

A Few Final Thoughts

Brown sugar cookies are the best of both worlds: easy to make and packed with cozy flavor. If you’re a fan of chewy, comforting cookies with a rich taste, these might just become your new favorite. Plus, they’re versatile enough to dress up with a few ingredients or enjoy as-is, warm from the oven. Whether you bake them for an afternoon treat or share them around the holidays, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Looking for other cookie ideas? Check these out!

• Festive Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe That Holds Its Shape
• 15 Easy Christmas Cookies To Make With Kids
• Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies
• Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Family Favorite
• Master Sugar Cookie Recipe: The Perfect Foundation for Countless Variations
• Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: A Family Favorite
• Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cozy, Chewy, and Oh-So Good!
• Jumbo Raisin Cookies: The Perfect Snack for Busy Moms