Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a cookie that’s rich, chewy, and full of flavor, Brown Sugar Cookies are the way to go. These cookies are a classic favorite, offering a deep caramel-like taste that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Brown Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (packed)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 3/4 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Optional Add-Ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or toffee bits
Preparation Steps
Measuring and Preparing Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients accurately. This ensures your cookies turn out perfect every time. Soften the butter by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Prepping the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Mixing Instructions
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Adding Dry Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or toffee bits, fold them in now.
Baking Instructions
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can also be paired with:
- Ideal Pairings: A glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Presentation Tips: For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt or extra brown sugar on top before baking.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some benefits:
- Nutritional Information: Each cookie provides a satisfying mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Benefits of Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Baking Tips for Chewy Cookies: Make sure not to overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overmixing the dough and make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted.
Alternative Ingredients
Here are some swaps if you need them:
- Substitutes for Flour and Sugar: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option and coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a gluten-free flour blend.
Storing and Reheating
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Best Practices for Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How to Reheat Cookies Without Losing Texture: Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark? Yes, light brown sugar can be used, but dark brown sugar gives a richer flavor.
How long should I chill the dough? Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, but it’s optional.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to add 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even toffee bits.
How long do these cookies last? Stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Cookies are a deliciously rich and chewy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe ensures you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready to enjoy in no time. Follow these steps and tips for perfect results every time.
Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you're in the mood for a cookie that's rich, chewy, and full of flavor, Brown Sugar Cookies are the way to go. These cookies are a classic favorite, offering a deep caramel-like taste that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 1 cup 220g light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup 78ml pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- 1 3/4 cups 245g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated or brown sugar (for rolling the dough)
- Soften cold butter in the microwave for 10-12 seconds. Combine the butter with the brown sugar and beat on medium speed until well creamed together.
- Add the maple syrup, eggs, and extracts and mix until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Slowly add into the batter and beat on medium-low speed until well combined and dough forms.
- Use a large cookie scoop and scoop cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roll in granulated sugar. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the dough about 2 inches apart, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes prior to baking.
- Bake at 350° F for 11-13 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.