Brown Sugar Butter Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Buttery

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are the kind of cookies that melt in your mouth — soft, rich, and filled with that warm caramel flavor only brown sugar can give. They’re simple yet indulgent, perfectly balancing buttery sweetness with a chewy, golden texture. I remember baking these on a rainy afternoon, and the aroma of butter and sugar filled my kitchen — it felt like pure comfort in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing with friends, or enjoying with your morning coffee, these cookies are an instant classic you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and chew to the cookies.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just enough while keeping them soft.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter – The base of a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Brown sugar (light or dark) – Adds caramel undertones and moisture.
Granulated sugar – Balances the flavor and adds a slight crisp edge.
Egg – Binds the dough and keeps the texture soft and chewy.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to every bite.

(Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix — you want a soft, tender dough.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. For that perfect bakery look, press each dough ball lightly with the back of a spoon or your palm.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft (they’ll firm up as they cool).

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking — it elevates the flavor beautifully.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking time is 10 minutes per batch, and cooling takes about 10 minutes. Total time: approximately 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months. Reheat a baked cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.

Variations and Customizations

Brown Butter Cookies – Brown the butter first for an even deeper, nutty caramel flavor.

Salted Caramel Butter Cookies – Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the dough for cozy autumn flavor.

Chocolate Chip Brown Sugar Cookies – Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips for a rich twist.

Pecan Praline Cookies – Add chopped toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon.

Brown Sugar Shortbread – Skip the egg for a more crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Espresso Brown Sugar Cookies – Mix in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a subtle coffee note.

Cinnamon Sugar Dusting – Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor and sparkle.

Stuffed Brown Sugar Cookies – Add a caramel candy or chocolate square in the center of each dough ball.

Glazed Brown Sugar Cookies – Drizzle with a simple vanilla or brown sugar glaze once cooled.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes! Dark brown sugar gives a stronger molasses flavor and deeper color.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely — refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking for even richer flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but chilling for 20 minutes helps prevent spreading.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt slightly.

How do I make them extra chewy?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking.

Can I make them crispy?

Bake a few minutes longer for crisp edges and a crunchy bite.

What’s the difference between these and classic sugar cookies?

These are softer, richer, and have a deeper caramel flavor thanks to the brown sugar.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes — scoop into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits are all delicious.

How do I know when they’re done?

Look for light golden edges and slightly soft centers — they’ll finish setting as they cool.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are the definition of simple perfection — soft, chewy, and packed with buttery caramel flavor. They’re the kind of cookie that feels nostalgic and homemade yet sophisticated enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with salt, or drizzled with caramel, they promise pure comfort in every bite. Once you make these, they’ll become your go-to cookie recipe — warm, cozy, and completely irresistible.

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