Chewy, buttery, golden brown sugar cookies—what more could you want when that craving for something sweet and comforting hits hard? Whether you’re new to baking or already have a favorite spatula, this chewy brown sugar cookies recipe is the kind of treat that feels like a hug in cookie form. Soft in the middle, slightly crisp on the edges, and rich with caramel notes from brown sugar, they’re everything a cookie should be—simple, satisfying, and seriously addictive.
At Elena Cooks, our readers love easy cookie recipes that never fail, and this one’s a top contender. Made with pantry staples, no chilling required, and ready in under 30 minutes—you’ll want to save this as your go-to cookie recipe for sweet cravings, gifting, bake sales, or late-night kitchen raids.
🍪 What Makes These Cookies So Chewy?
The chewiness in this cookie recipe comes down to four main factors:
- Brown Sugar – Contains molasses, which adds moisture and richness.
- Butter – Gives a soft bite and enhances flavor.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and keep it soft inside.
- Baking Time – Pulling the cookies out while slightly underdone ensures the middle stays soft.
Unlike granulated sugar, which creates a crisper cookie, light brown sugar lends a soft, almost caramel-like chew that keeps these cookies tender for days.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of our dough. Scoop and level for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just right.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming.
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed – Our flavor star for chewiness and deep sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Adds moisture and binds everything together.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and balance.
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a cozy twist
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. The texture should resemble whipped peanut butter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll toughen the dough.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. That’s the secret to chewy perfection!
Step 7: Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack—or enjoy warm straight from the tray (we won’t judge).
⭐ Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temp Ingredients: This ensures your dough combines smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: Take them out when they look a little soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Want Extra Texture? Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Double Batch It: These disappear fast—make more if you’re baking for a crowd.
🌀 Recipe Variations to Try
Espresso Brown Sugar Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the flour mixture. Coffee and brown sugar? A rich, grown-up twist.
Chocolate-Dipped Brown Sugar Cookies
Once baked and cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate and top with crushed nuts or sprinkles.
Cinnamon-Swirl Version
Roll dough into small balls, then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking. Think snickerdoodle meets brown sugar magic.
❄️ Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Refrigerate:
Make the dough up to 48 hours ahead. Store covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
To Freeze:
Scoop dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two.
Perfect for emergency cookie cravings!
📦 How to Store Your Cookies
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a slice of white bread to keep them soft.
- Fridge: Not necessary but can extend freshness by 1–2 days.
- Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw at room temp.
❌ Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter – Won’t cream properly with sugar.
- Overmixing the dough – Makes the cookies tough.
- Overbaking – Leads to dry, crispy results instead of soft and chewy centers.
- Not spacing cookies enough – They will spread and stick together.
☕ What to Serve with Brown Sugar Cookies
- Coffee or Espresso: Their caramel notes pair beautifully with strong brews.
- Chai Tea or Hot Cocoa: Especially comforting in colder months.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn them into mini cookie sandwiches!
- Milk (of course): A nostalgic combo that always hits the spot.
🧠 FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes! Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor and slightly denser cookie.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut it by ¼ cup, but don’t reduce too much or you’ll lose that signature chew.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary slightly but still delicious.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely—chocolate chips, dried cranberries, butterscotch bits, or chopped nuts work well.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
💡 Final Thoughts
When it comes to easy sweet recipes that hit the mark every time, chewy brown sugar cookies are a timeless choice. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or sharing with friends, these cookies bring joy with every bite. No need for chilling. No complicated techniques. Just pure, delicious comfort.
Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie whenever sweet cravings strike. The aroma alone is enough to gather a crowd in the kitchen. So go ahead—preheat that oven and bring home the chewy cookie magic.
📝 Full Printable Recipe: Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to wet ingredients.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers soft.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
