Get ready to meet your new obsession: Brown Sugar Cookies! These aren’t your grandma’s cookies. (Unless your grandma is secretly a flavor ninja, then maybe!) These Brown Sugar Cookies are intensely chewy, perfectly sweet, and pack a flavor punch that’ll make you say, “¡Ay, caramba!”
I knew I had to share this Brown Sugar Cookies recipe when my neighbor, Miguel, took one bite and declared, “Quinn, this cookie speaks to my soul!” He practically begged for the recipe. That’s how you know you’ve got a winner.
For me, the secret to the best Brown Sugar Cookies is all about embracing that deep, molasses-y flavor of brown sugar. I’ve tweaked and tested this brown sugar cookie recipe countless times to get that perfect balance of chewy edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Forget those bland, boring cookies!
Here at Cuba Queen, we’re all about bold flavors that make every day feel like a fiesta! This Brown Sugar Cookies recipe embodies that philosophy. They’re simple to make, but deliver a HUGE flavor explosion.
I’m so stoked to share this recipe with you. Get ready to bake up a batch of Brown Sugar Cookies that will have everyone begging for more! These are destined to become your new go-to easy brown sugar cookies!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The quality of your butter matters! Go for European-style butter for a richer, more flavorful cookie.
- 1 ½ cups packed dark brown sugar: Don’t skimp on the dark brown sugar! It’s the key to that deep, molasses flavor. This is THE ingredient.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness of the brown sugar for the perfect sweetness level.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Splurge on the good stuff! Pure vanilla extract makes a world of difference.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that signature chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: This is my secret weapon for super soft Brown Sugar Cookies! It adds a slight tang and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
This Brown Sugar Cookies ingredient list is short but mighty! The secret to epic Brown Sugar Cookies is using dark brown sugar instead of light. It’s a flavor game-changer, trust me! You’ll find the best quality vanilla for this Brown Sugar Cookies recipe at your local specialty baking shop. Splurge on this one, it’s worth it.
To prep your ingredients, soften the butter ahead of time so it’s easy to cream. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature too. It all helps the ingredients incorporate better!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, even batter for your Brown Sugar Cookies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is crucial for even baking!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in tough cookies.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size. This helps them bake evenly. This easy brown sugar cookies recipe will quickly become your go-to.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool. This timing has been perfected after many batches of Brown Sugar Cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to firm up. Your Brown Sugar Cookies should look golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
Here’s where most people mess up their Brown Sugar Cookies – they overbake them! Watch them carefully and pull them out when they’re still a little soft in the middle. While your Brown Sugar Cookies are working their magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Pro tip for Brown Sugar Cookies perfection: don’t skip the cream of tartar! In my kitchen, this Brown Sugar Cookies takes exactly 10 minutes to bake for that perfectly chewy texture. This is where your Brown Sugar Cookies transforms into pure magic. Don’t stress – your Brown Sugar Cookies is going to be incredible! This brown sugar cookie recipe is very forgiving.
PRESENTATION:
Okay, flavor adventurers, let’s talk presentation! These Brown Sugar Cookies deserve to be showcased. I love to stack them high on a pretty platter, dusted with a little powdered sugar for extra flair.
These Brown Sugar Cookies absolutely slay at dinner parties! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve these Brown Sugar Cookies at potlucks. They disappear in minutes!
For a truly decadent experience, serve these Brown Sugar Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Talk about a flavor explosion! They are also incredible paired with a strong cup of Cuban coffee! The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cookie, creating a perfect balance.
Got leftovers? (If you do, you have more self-control than I do!) Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping. Or, use them to make a Brown Sugar Cookies crust for a cheesecake.
I’ve even made seasonal variations! In the fall, I add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough. In the summer, I drizzle them with a tangy lime glaze.
These Brown Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. They are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. You could try presenting these soft brown sugar cookies in a vintage cookie jar for a charming touch. This reminds me of another flavor explosion: apple crisp with decadent brown sugar pecan!
FAQs:
- Can I make this Brown Sugar Cookies spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle kick.
- What if I don’t have cream of tartar for my Brown Sugar Cookies? You can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. However, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different. I do not recommend omitting cream of tartar completely if you’re aiming for those soft brown sugar cookies!
- How do I know when my Brown Sugar Cookies is perfectly done? The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should still be slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Don’t overbake!
- Can I freeze the dough for my Brown Sugar Cookies? Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What kind of brown sugar should I use for my Brown Sugar Cookies? I prefer dark brown sugar for its deep, molasses-y flavor. Light brown sugar will also work, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Can I add chocolate chips to my Brown Sugar Cookies? Go for it! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition.
- My Brown Sugar Cookies are spreading too thin. What am I doing wrong? Make sure your butter is not too soft. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.
- Are these Brown Sugar Cookies without molasses? Yes, this recipe relies on the brown sugar for that molasses flavor instead of adding molasses itself.
I’ve gotten tons of questions about baking these Brown Sugar Cookies. Remember, baking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash next!
CONCLUSION:
These Brown Sugar Cookies represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that bring people together. This brown sugar cookie recipe is all about that rich, molasses-y flavor and chewy texture.
My Brown Sugar Cookies Power Tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough! This will result in tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size! This ensures even baking.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
I’ve created a few variations of these Brown Sugar Cookies that I absolutely love. One is a salted caramel version, where I add a pinch of sea salt to the dough and drizzle them with caramel sauce after baking. Another is a brown butter version, where I brown the butter before adding it to the dough for an even richer flavor. And then there’s the oatmeal brown sugar cookie recipe. Each variation has its own unique flavor profile and appeal, but the original is always a winner!
The salted caramel version gets the biggest reactions, probably because people love that sweet and salty combination. Give them all a shot.
I’m confident that you can make these Brown Sugar Cookies your signature dish. They’re easy to make, and everyone loves them! So go ahead, flavor adventurers, and bake up a batch of these Brown Sugar Cookies.
Create some flavor-filled memories with these Brown Sugar Cookies. Don’t forget to share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your creations! For more bold flavor adventures, check out Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! You will be able to make the best chewy brown sugar cookies! This Brown Sugar Cookies is guaranteed to become a firm favorite! Let’s make these easy brown sugar cookies!
Brown Sugar Cookies
These Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich molasses flavor. A simple and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.