If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly balances rich, buttery goodness with the deep, caramel-like notes only brown sugar can bring, these Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are an absolute dream come true. Every bite melts in your mouth with a soft, tender texture that feels like a warm hug, making them an irresistible treat whether you’re serving them casually with coffee or gifting them during the holidays. They require just a handful of simple ingredients, but the result is a cookie that feels indulgent and special in every way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding its own magic to the final cookie. From the creamy butter that provides richness, to the brown sugar which lends a deep flavor and beautiful color, every component plays a role in making these cookies unforgettable.

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): This is the creamy base that gives the cookies their luscious texture and buttery flavor.
3/4 cup light brown sugar (5 ounces): Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that defines these cookies.
1 large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or almond extract): A touch of vanilla or almond elevates the flavor profile and adds aromatic warmth.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10 ounces): Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape while remaining tender.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough leavening to keep the cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dense.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup white granulated sugar for rolling (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and extra sparkle on top if you choose to use it.

How to Make Brown Sugar Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it’s just right for gently baking the cookies without over-browning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking mat to bake your cookies evenly and keep them from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or a handheld electric mixer, beat together the room-temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar. This creaming process is essential—it traps air and creates that irresistible fluffy texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract

Scrape down the sides of your bowl to keep things well mixed, then add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and combined, allowing the flavors to begin melding beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix provides the framework for the cookies, ensuring they hold together and bake evenly. Add the dry ingredients to your wet butter mixture and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough

Scoop approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough using a cookie scoop, then roll each portion into a ball. For some added sparkle and a touch of crunch, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar if you like, but it’s totally fine to skip this part if you prefer softer tops.

Step 6: Press and Chill

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out well. Press each ball gently down with the tines of a fork to create a pretty crisscross pattern, adding a little extra sugar on top if you didn’t roll them earlier. Then refrigerate the dough balls for 30 to 60 minutes—this step firms up the dough and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the centers are set. Resist the urge to let them brown too much—these cookies are meant to stay soft with a tender crumb. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, locking in that perfect texture.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Butter Cookies

Brown Sugar Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take these Brown Sugar Butter Cookies from lovely to show-stopping. Freshly chopped nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt provide a delightful contrast and a touch of sophistication.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful alongside a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy glass of milk. For a cozy snack, try pairing them with a bowl of homemade apple cider or hot cocoa, creating a comforting treat perfect for chilly days.

Creative Ways to Present

Stacked in a cute jar tied with a ribbon, these cookies become an irresistible gift. You can also sandwich them with a layer of vanilla or chocolate buttercream for a sweet surprise. Serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside seasonal fruits adds an elegant, inviting touch to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Brown Sugar Butter Cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This storage method helps retain their softness and flavor, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked deliciousness anytime.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the cookie dough balls freeze beautifully. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as usual.

Reheating

To recapture the warmth and softness of freshly baked cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. This gentle reheating refreshes the texture without drying them out, as microwaving might.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar in place of white sugar entirely?

Yes! The brown sugar is actually the star in these cookies, providing moisture and a rich flavor. While the white sugar for rolling adds crunch, it’s optional, so you can skip it if you prefer.

Why do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and enhances their flavor. It also prevents spreading, so you get that perfect texture and look.

Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla?

Absolutely! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar and butter. Use the same amount as vanilla for a subtle twist.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Bake until the centers are set but not browned—usually 10 to 12 minutes. They may look slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender texture.

Are these cookies good fresh or better after resting?

They’re delicious right out of the oven, but like many cookies, they develop deeper flavor and even better texture if left to rest for a day, allowing the buttery and brown sugar notes to fully mature.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Brown Sugar Butter Cookies that makes them feel like a warm, comforting treat you can turn to any time. Their simplicity is their charm, and once you’ve made them, you’ll see why they become a beloved recipe in your kitchen rotation. I can’t wait for you to try baking these—you’re going to love every buttery, sweet bite!

Brown Sugar Butter Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Brown Sugar Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich brown sugar flavor. They feature a tender texture and a delightful buttery taste, perfect for any occasion. The dough is rolled in granulated sugar for a subtle crunch and finished with a classic fork-pressed pattern.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

1/2 cup white granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Brown Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, blend together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl then add the egg and pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape and Roll Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll these dough balls in the white granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy coating.
Prepare for Baking: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart. Gently press each ball down with the tines of a fork to create a classic cookie pattern. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra granulated sugar.
Chill Dough Balls: Refrigerate the shaped dough balls for 30 to 60 minutes. This step helps cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances flavor.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the centers are set but before the edges begin to brown, to maintain a soft texture.
Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle on top.
Do not overbake; removing the cookies before they brown ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Refrigerating the dough balls solidifies the butter and prevents spreading during baking.
For a flavor twist, substitute almond extract for vanilla extract.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookie
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American