Brown Sugar Butter Cookies Recipe
These Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich buttery flavor enhanced by the caramel-like sweetness of light brown sugar. Rolled in granulated sugar for a delicate crunch and slightly pressed with a fork for a classic look, these cookies are perfect for any time you crave a comforting, homemade treat.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (5 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or almond extract)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Rolling (Optional)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and brown sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any unmixed ingredients, then add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring carefully just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Form dough balls: Using a cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), portion out the dough and roll each ball between your palms. Optionally, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Prepare for chilling: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately. Press down gently on each ball with the tines of a fork to flatten slightly and create a classic cookie pattern. If you didn’t roll in sugar, sprinkle a small amount on top now.
- Chill dough: Refrigerate the prepared dough balls for 30-60 minutes to help the cookies maintain shape and develop flavor.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the centers are set but not browned, ensuring the cookies stay soft and tender.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to getting the perfect soft texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a nutty twist.
- Rolling cookies in granulated sugar adds a nice crunch and extra sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze the dough balls for longer storage.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when done.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
Keywords: brown sugar cookies, butter cookies, chewy cookies, soft cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe