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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 24 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: brown sugar, butter cookies, soft cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, chewy cookies
