Sugar and butter come together to make perfectly crisp brown sugar cookies. A sprinkle of decorator sugar on the outside gives them a delightful crunch and an irresistible finish.
These cookies are soft on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside thanks to the crystal sugar. They’re simple to make and hard to stop eating.
This recipe is a lovely twist on a classic cookie. Dark brown sugar and butter give the cookies a rich color and deep flavor. The dough is easy to prepare, and the whole process takes about 30 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time.
They’re perfect for the holidays or any time you want a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Change the sugar color or the cookie shapes to tailor them for any season or celebration.
In this Article
- Brown Sugar Cookies – Why You Will Love Them
- Preparing your brown sugar cookie recipe
- Ingredients needed to create those beautiful cookies
- Equipment Needed
- Baking tips and step-by-step instructions on how to make these brown sugar cookies
- Storing instructions
- More delicious cookie recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Brown Sugar Cookies – Why You Will Love Them
Super easy to make – a few common ingredients are all you need, and the dough comes together quickly.
Pantry-friendly ingredients – most items are staples you likely already have on hand.
Versatile for any occasion – swap decorator sugar colors or change shapes to create seasonal or party-ready cookies.
Preparing your brown sugar cookie recipe
Before you begin, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly and improves the texture.
Line your work surface with parchment or wax paper to keep the dough from sticking when you roll it out.
Ingredients needed to create those beautiful cookies
Unsalted butter – using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level and keeps the flavor balanced.
Dark brown sugar – the star of the recipe; pack it firmly when measuring.
Large egg – helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
Vanilla extract – adds warm, rounded flavor.
All-purpose flour – unbleached is best for a natural flavor and texture.
Baking soda and salt – for proper rise and balance.
Decorator sugar crystals – for a sparkling, crunchy finish; choose colors to match the occasion.
Equipment Needed
Electric mixer – a hand mixer or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
Wax paper or parchment – to roll the dough between sheets and prevent sticking.
Rolling pin – to roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cookie cutters – choose shapes you like for a festive presentation.
Baking sheets – ungreased sheets work well since the dough contains plenty of butter.
Baking tips and step-by-step instructions on how to make these brown sugar cookies
This is a straightforward recipe. Once the ingredients are ready, the steps are quick and logical.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat softened butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the dark brown sugar and beat until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well incorporated.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture a little at a time, beating until just combined.
- Place the dough between two sheets of wax paper or parchment and roll to about 1/4 inch thickness. Chill briefly if the dough becomes too soft.
- Cut the dough with cookie cutters and place the shapes about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with decorator sugar crystals.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve with a hot beverage or enjoy them on their own. These cookies stay crisp at the edges and tender in the center.
Storing instructions
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
More delicious cookie recipes
Try these other favorites for variety in your cookie box:
Dried Cranberry Cookies
Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies – Easy Holiday Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add molasses to light brown sugar?
Yes. To make dark brown sugar from light brown sugar, stir one tablespoon of molasses into one cup of light brown sugar until evenly combined. Store in an airtight container.
Why can’t I use melted butter instead of softened?
Melted butter produces a different texture and can make cookies spread more. Softened butter should be used when creaming with sugar to trap air and give the cookies structure.
Should I use baking powder or baking soda for cookies?
Baking soda is stronger than baking powder and affects texture differently. Follow the recipe’s leavening recommendation for best results.
Shop This Recipe
For equipment recommendations, choose items you already like or that fit your budget. A basic hand mixer, measuring cups, and baking sheets are all you need to get started.
Brown Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- decorator sugar crystals
Instructions
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Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla and continue beating.
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Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture a little at a time and beat until well blended.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness between two sheets of wax or parchment paper. Cut into desired shapes and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with decorator sugar crystals.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
| Calories: 186 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 27 g
| Protein: 2 g
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information as estimates and not as professional dietary analysis.
- Course: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
- Occasion: Christmas
- Season: Fall, Winter
Did you make this?
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Originally published on December 12, 2019.