Irresistibly Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies: Your New Favorite Easy Homemade Recipe
Indulge in the simple pleasure of these incredibly sweet and delightfully chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. More than just a dessert, they are a celebration of rich, deep flavor derived from humble ingredients like all-purpose flour, luxurious brown sugar, and creamy butter. As these cookies bake, a magical transformation occurs in your oven, filling your home with an aroma that promises warmth and comfort. Each bite delivers a perfect symphony of sweetness and that signature soft, chewy texture, making them an instant classic and a must-have in any cookie lover’s repertoire. This recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest things are truly the most satisfying, offering an experience that transcends mere baking.
A Sweet Childhood Memory: The Allure of Brown Sugar
My adoration for brown sugar runs deep, rooted in fond childhood memories. I confess, to this day, I can’t open a canister without sneaking a small, delectable clump, savoring it like a mischievous child. My brother and I perfected this covert operation. I vividly recall my mom’s familiar refrain, “I’m running to the store, I’ll be right back.” (It was the 70s, a time when leaving kids home alone for a quick errand was common practice.) Before her car had even backed out of the driveway, we were already elbow-deep in the brown sugar canister, indulging in its rich, molasses-laden sweetness. Those were truly good times, filled with innocent rebellion and the pure joy of a simple treat.
It’s precisely these cherished recollections that make these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies so special to me. In my humble opinion, there’s absolutely nothing to dislike about them. This unassuming cookie masterfully delivers that irresistible chewy interior complemented by a delicate, slightly crisp exterior, all imbued with the complex, caramel-like goodness that only brown sugar can provide. It’s a taste that instantly transports you back to simpler times, evoking warmth and nostalgia with every bite, solidifying their place as a truly comforting homemade dessert.
The Simple Magic of Baking: Homemade Brown Sugar Cookies
There’s an inherent excitement in baking, especially when you witness the transformation of a few basic ingredients into something truly wonderful. It’s always thrilling to watch cookies rise and spread in the oven. You start with everyday pantry staples – flour, sugar, butter, eggs – combine them in a bowl, and then, almost magically, they emerge as warm, golden-brown cookies. Don’t you agree there’s a delightful element of surprise as they puff up, turn golden, and their sweet, buttery aroma begins to fill your kitchen? It’s a sensory experience that brings joy to any home.
Prepare to be both surprised and utterly delighted when you see these brown sugar cookies bake to perfection. The sweet, buttery aroma that wafts from the oven as they rise is enough to make your mouth water, a warm invitation to a moment of pure bliss. This recipe for easy brown sugar cookies doesn’t require any fancy techniques or exotic ingredients. It relies on the inherent deliciousness of brown sugar to create a truly memorable treat. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity in baking, proving that extraordinary flavor can come from the most straightforward components, yielding the best brown sugar cookies you’ll ever taste.
Why These Easy Brown Sugar Cookies Stand Out
Sometimes, less truly is more, and these cookies are a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. Crafted with just your essential pantry staples, without the distraction of chocolate chips, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or any other add-ins, they allow the magnificent, nuanced flavor of brown sugar to shine through unobstructed. This focused approach on a single star ingredient ensures a pure and potent taste experience that many more complex cookies simply cannot achieve, highlighting the rich, caramel notes of the brown sugar.
These versatile Brown Sugar Cookies are perfect for a multitude of occasions. They’re a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table, an excellent choice for a cookie exchange, or a thoughtful homemade gift for teachers and neighbors. And, of course, they are absolutely ideal for those moments when you’re simply craving something uncomplicated, sweet, and comforting. They effortlessly fit the bill for any sweet tooth yearning for that classic, home-baked goodness, making them the ultimate easy brown sugar cookie.
If you appreciate the delightful chewiness of traditional sugar cookies, you will undoubtedly adore these brown sugar versions. For more chewy and sweet inspiration, you might also enjoy these: Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies, Sugar Cookie Bars With White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing, or these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Each offers a unique spin on the beloved sugar cookie, but the brown sugar cookie stands alone in its distinct, rich appeal.
The Secret to Soft & Chewy: The Power of Brown Sugar in Cookies
Baking with brown sugar offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond its delicious flavor. Its inherent moisture content is key to guaranteeing a remarkably soft and wonderfully chewy cookie every time. Beyond texture, brown sugar imparts a distinct caramel-like sweetness and a depth of flavor that white sugar simply cannot replicate. The molasses content provides a subtle tang and rich, malty undertones that elevate the entire cookie experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a game-changer for baked goods, contributing to a richer taste profile and a beautiful golden hue that is characteristic of the best brown sugar cookies.
Please, do not underestimate or bypass this brown sugar cookie recipe thinking it’s just “another simple cookie.” You will be genuinely blown away by the mighty, robust, and complex flavor these cookies possess. The molasses in brown sugar doesn’t just add color and moisture; it contributes a unique chemical property that helps keep the cookies moist and soft even days after baking. This is a cookie that truly lets its star ingredient shine, offering a profound depth of flavor in every bite and proving why brown sugar cookies are a beloved classic.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Brown Sugar Cookies
Crafting these perfect brown sugar cookies starts with understanding the role of each simple, yet crucial, ingredient. For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after chewy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor that makes these cookies so special.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the structural base of our cookies. I specifically used all-purpose flour for these sugar cookies because it provides the right balance of gluten to create a tender yet chewy crumb, preventing them from becoming too tough or too delicate. Proper measuring of flour is key for the desired consistency.
- Baking soda: A small but mighty leavening agent. A touch of baking soda is essential for helping the cookies rise beautifully and spread to create those desirable thin, crispy edges and soft centers. It reacts with the acidic molasses in the brown sugar, contributing to the cookie’s characteristic chewy texture and lovely golden-brown color.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of a pinch of salt! It’s not just for seasoning; salt is a crucial flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, making the caramel notes even more pronounced and preventing the cookies from tasting overly sugary. It rounds out the flavor profile.
- Brown sugar: This is the star of our show. Dark brown sugar is highly recommended as it lends a deep, complex caramel-like flavor and a gorgeous golden hue to the cookies, thanks to its higher molasses content. If you only have light brown sugar on hand, you can certainly substitute it; the cookies will still be delicious, but perhaps slightly lighter in color and with a milder molasses flavor. Its moisture content is key for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar crystals (sanding sugar): These are optional but highly recommended for an extra touch of sparkle and a delightful textural crunch on the exterior of the cookies. Rolling the dough in these crystals before baking adds a lovely aesthetic and a subtle sugary bite, enhancing the overall experience of these brown sugar cookies.
- Butter: Whether you choose salted or unsalted, ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature is paramount for a smooth, homogenous cookie dough. Softened butter creams beautifully with brown sugar, incorporating air that contributes to the cookies’ light texture and even spread. Cold butter will not cream properly, affecting the final texture.
- Vanilla extract: Always opt for real vanilla extract for the absolute best flavor. Vanilla is a foundational flavor in almost all cookies, complementing and enhancing the richness of the brown sugar, adding a layer of aromatic sweetness that is simply irreplaceable. It ties all the flavors together.
- Eggs: You’ll need large eggs for this recipe, using the whole egg. Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the cookie dough together, and also contribute significantly to the cookie’s moisture, richness, and overall structure. They help achieve that desirable chewy texture and contribute to the browning of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Irresistible Brown Sugar Cookies
Making these delectable brown sugar cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Just follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly chewy, flavorful cookies every single time. Precision and attention to detail will ensure the best possible results!
Before you begin: Ensure your oven is preheated to a consistent 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a moment to prepare two large baking sheets. Line each one with parchment paper; this crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking, promotes even baking, and makes for effortless cleanup, ensuring your brown sugar cookies lift off the tray perfectly.
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, carefully sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is an important step as it aerates the flour, removes any potential lumps, and ensures that these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once sifted, set this mixture aside, ready for incorporation into the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter and dark brown sugar. Beat these two ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and visibly pale in color. This creaming process is vital as it incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for giving the brown sugar cookies their light texture and helping them spread correctly during baking.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla. With the mixer still running on low speed, add the large eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg addition, making sure it is fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula after each egg; this ensures all ingredients are evenly blended. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until it’s completely blended and fragrant, adding that classic cookie aroma.
Step 4: Gradually Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Begin to add the previously sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Do this gradually, adding a bit at a time, and mix on low speed until everything is just combined. It is crucial not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough rather than chewy brown sugar cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible, ensuring a tender crumb.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough. Using a 2-Tablespoon cookie scoop (or an ice cream scoop if you prefer larger cookies), portion the brown sugar cookie dough into uniform balls. Consistency in the size of your dough balls is key for ensuring that all cookies bake evenly and finish at the same time, preventing some from being overbaked and others underbaked, guaranteeing a consistent chewy texture across the batch.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar Crystals. Gently roll each scooped cookie dough ball in the granulated sugar crystals (sanding sugar). This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful textural crunch to the exterior of the baked cookies. Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is vital to allow for adequate spreading during baking without the cookies merging together.
Step 7: Flatten and Sprinkle. Using the back of a smooth spatula or the bottom of a drinking glass, gently flatten each dough ball. This slight flattening helps the cookies spread more evenly and contributes to their characteristic shape. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, sprinkle a little more sugar crystals on top of each flattened dough ball before baking, which will caramelize beautifully.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Carefully place each baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-17 minutes. The brown sugar cookies are ready when they have spread beautifully, their edges are a lovely light golden brown, and the centers still appear slightly soft. The most important rule for achieving wonderfully chewy cookies is to *avoid overbaking* them. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool outside the oven. Trust the process and aim for that perfect tender center!
Step 9: Cool and Store. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the hot baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up enough to be transferred without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the brown sugar cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This gradual cooling on a rack is essential for maintaining their perfect chewy texture and preventing sogginess.
Once completely cooled to room temperature, these soft brown sugar cookies are ready for storage. For optimal freshness and to preserve their delightful chewiness, place them in an airtight container or wrap them snugly in plastic wrap. They will keep beautifully on your kitchen counter for up to one week, remaining soft and delicious. If you wish to extend their shelf life, these cookies freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat, and they’ll taste as good as freshly baked!
Love this Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re already envisioning these delightful brown sugar cookies in your kitchen, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes for soft, chewy, caramel-infused goodness. Sharing is caring, and your followers will thank you for this easy brown sugar cookie recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
To help you achieve the best possible results and understand the science behind these delicious treats, here are answers to some common questions about baking with brown sugar:
- What does brown sugar do to cookies? Brown sugar is a powerhouse ingredient in cookies. First and foremost, it imparts a wonderfully complex, caramel-like sweetness that is richer and deeper than white sugar. More critically for texture, brown sugar’s high moisture content and the presence of molasses are directly responsible for keeping cookies incredibly moist and delightfully chewy. This moisture helps prevent the cookies from drying out and becoming crisp. It also contributes to a slightly darker, golden-brown coloration in the final baked product compared to cookies made solely with white sugar, adding to their visual appeal.
- Is it better to use dark brown or light brown sugar for cookies? The choice between dark and light brown sugar largely depends on your desired flavor intensity and the specific recipe. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses, resulting in a stronger, more pronounced caramel flavor and a chewier texture. Light brown sugar offers a milder molasses taste. For these brown sugar cookies, dark brown sugar is preferred to maximize that deep, rich caramel note and chewiness. However, they are often interchangeable, so feel free to use what you have, knowing the flavor might be slightly different. Both will yield delicious results, but dark brown sugar truly makes these brown sugar cookies sing.
- Is soft brown sugar the same as light brown sugar? Yes, these two terms are generally used interchangeably in recipes and by manufacturers in many regions. Both refer to brown sugar with a finer grain and a softer, more moist consistency than granulated white sugar. This moisture is what contributes to the softness and chewiness in baked goods.
- Can I add molasses to light brown sugar to make it darker? Absolutely! If you only have light brown sugar and wish to achieve the darker color and richer flavor of dark brown sugar, you can easily add molasses. For every cup of light brown sugar, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of molasses. Ensure it’s thoroughly combined before using it in your recipe. This is a great pantry hack that allows you to customize your brown sugar to fit your baking needs perfectly, giving you those deep caramel notes in your brown sugar cookies.
Customizing Your Brown Sugar Cookies: Delightful Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to unleash your culinary creativity when baking! Recipes are a guideline, and making substitutions to suit your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply to experiment with new flavors is highly encouraged. Make these cookies uniquely your own, transforming this easy brown sugar cookie recipe into something truly custom!
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Flavor Extracts: Instead of classic vanilla extract, consider using almond extract for a subtly different, nutty undertone, or even a touch of rum extract for a more decadent, warm flavor profile, especially perfect for holiday brown sugar cookies. Experimentation can lead to wonderful new discoveries that complement the brown sugar beautifully!
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Brown Butter Boost: For an intensely deep, toasted, and nutty flavor that truly elevates these cookies, consider using brown butter. Browning your butter before adding it to the recipe adds an extra layer of gourmet complexity that is simply divine and pairs exceptionally well with the caramel notes of brown sugar. This small step can make a big difference in the final taste of your brown sugar cookies.
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Gluten-Free Option: To make these brown sugar cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results in texture and structure, which will help mimic the chewiness normally provided by gluten.
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Dairy-Free Alternative: If you prefer a dairy-free cookie, you can use a good quality non-dairy butter alternative. Be aware that the texture and flavor of your cookies might be slightly different, as non-dairy butters can behave differently in baking compared to traditional butter. Look for brands specifically designed for baking to achieve the closest possible results to the original chewy brown sugar cookies.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Brown Sugar Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is often about those little details. Here are some expert tips and tricks to ensure your brown sugar cookies turn out absolutely amazing every single time, from the moment you mix the dough to the first delightful bite:
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Stick to Brown Sugar: It might be tempting, but resist the urge to substitute white granulated sugar for brown sugar. Brown sugar is the star here, and its unique molasses content is responsible for the distinct caramel flavor, rich color, and most importantly, that signature soft and chewy texture. White sugar will result in a drier, crispier cookie with a less complex flavor profile, fundamentally altering the essence of these brown sugar cookies.
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Chocolate Lovers Rejoice: If you simply must have some chocolate in your cookies, these brown sugar cookies make an excellent base for it! Feel free to mix in about 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips – milk, dark, or semi-sweet varieties will all work wonderfully, adding another layer of indulgence to these already delicious treats. White chocolate chips would also be a fantastic addition, complementing the caramel notes beautifully.
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Mixer Options: Don’t have a fancy stand mixer? No problem at all! A reliable hand mixer will work just as effectively for creaming the butter and sugar and combining the ingredients. Just be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl frequently to ensure everything is evenly incorporated, yielding a smooth brown sugar cookie dough.
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Elevate with Frosting: For an even more intense flavor and a beautiful presentation, consider frosting your cooled brown sugar cookies. A classic buttercream frosting will add a creamy, sweet finish, while a delicate royal icing can provide a crisp, elegant touch. You could also try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy counterpoint to the sweet brown sugar, making them even more indulgent.
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Accurate Flour Measurement: One of the most common baking errors is incorrect flour measurement, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. To measure flour correctly, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use the flat side of a knife or a straight edge to level off any excess. Do not scoop flour directly with the measuring cup or pack it down, as this can add too much flour, resulting in dense brown sugar cookies.
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Keep Brown Sugar Soft: Brown sugar tends to harden over time due to moisture loss. To keep your brown sugar wonderfully soft and clump-free, invest in a specialized terracotta disc designed for this purpose, or simply place a fresh slice of apple or a piece of bread in its airtight container. The moisture from the apple/bread will keep the sugar soft and ready for your next batch of brown sugar cookies.
This delightful recipe is proudly part of The Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap. Co-hosted by Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West, this wonderful event brings together food bloggers each year to share innovative and delicious holiday cookie recipes, perfect for making and gifting. We are thrilled to share these chewy brown sugar cookies as part of this amazing tradition.
Beyond sharing delectable recipes, we are once again dedicated to raising vital funds for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer. This remarkable organization is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit, passionately committed to funding research for new, innovative, and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Every cookie baked and every donation made helps make a difference in a child’s life, offering hope for a brighter future.
Since its inception in 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has achieved incredible milestones, granting nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research. These funds have supported over 100 research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country, leading to the development of more than 35 treatments currently available to children bravely battling cancer today. Your support directly contributes to these life-changing advancements.
Please join us in supporting this incredibly important cause! You can make a difference by donating through our dedicated fundraising page. Every contribution, big or small, helps fuel crucial research and brings us closer to a cure for childhood cancer.
Adding to the excitement, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is currently in a special matching window with their generous friends at OXO. This means OXO will match every dollar raised through the end of 2023, up to an astounding $100,000! Whatever money we collectively raise will automatically be doubled on our fundraising page, maximizing the impact of your generosity and helping twice as many children. Let’s make a difference together!
Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Love
If you’ve fallen for the charm of these brown sugar cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other beloved cookie recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and become new family favorites. Expand your baking repertoire with these delightful options, each promising a unique and satisfying sweet experience:
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Almond Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: A beautiful blend of buttery shortbread and sweet raspberry jam, a classic for any occasion.
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Gingerdoodle Cookies: A warm, spiced twist on the classic snickerdoodle, perfect for the holiday season with their comforting flavors of ginger and cinnamon.
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Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies: A nostalgic recipe that lives up to its name, offering pure comfort in every bite with a taste of childhood.
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Pie Crust Cookies: A creative and delicious way to use up leftover pie crust, transforming it into delightful, flaky, and bite-sized treats.
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Cherry Wink Cookies: A festive and flavorful cookie, often adorned with maraschino cherries and chopped nuts, making them a vibrant and delicious holiday staple.
Whether you choose to enjoy them alongside a refreshing glass of cold milk, with a comforting cup of hot tea or coffee, or simply on their own as a perfect pick-me-up, these brown sugar cookies are truly a classic. They are the true epitome of home-baked goodness, offering a taste of warmth and nostalgia that is simply unparalleled. The simple ingredients combine to create a deeply flavorful, irresistibly soft, and perfectly chewy cookie that delights every palate. I can confidently guarantee that these irresistibly soft and chewy delights will make a fantastic, and much-loved, addition to your cookie jar. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a little piece of joy, baked with love, destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Print Recipe
Brown Sugar Cookies
Equipment
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
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15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set of 6 Stainless Steel Dual Sided Stackable Teaspoon for Measuring Dry and Liquid Ingredients
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Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set (6 Piece Set)
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Rubber Spatulas
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Offset Spatula , SIMEEGO Icing Spatula Set with 6 8 10 Inch Stainless Steel Blades
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks salted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar crystals sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In the bowl of your stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl and mixing until incorporated after each.
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Add the sifted flour mixture a bit at a time mixing until completely incorporated.
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Use a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough into balls, and roll in the sugar crystals before placing them on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
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Slightly flatten the dough balls with a smooth spatula. Sprinkle the tops with a little more sugar.
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Place the cookie sheet into the oven and bake until the cookies have spread and are a light golden brown around the edges. Approximately 15-17 minutes. Don’t overbake or cookies will not be chewy.
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Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks to cool completely.
Nutrition