Best Americas Best Brown Sugar Cookie Recipes

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SUGAR COOKIES



Sugar Cookies image

Get Alton Brown's simple Sugar Cookies recipe from Good Eats on Food Network, the perfect base for frosting, sprinkles and other sweet decorations.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 2h24m

Yield about 3 dozen-2 1/2 inch

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

Steps:

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. Cut into desired shape, place at least 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve as is or ice as desired. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

AMERICA'S BEST BROWN SUGAR COOKIE



America's Best Brown Sugar Cookie image

I am a big fan of America's Test Kitchen founded by Christopher Kimble. Their book, The Best of America's Test Kitchen, 2007, printed this recipe for Brown Sugar cookies. My family are all chocophiles but this is still their favorite cookie that I make. The browning of the butter does it! When you open the cookie jar, the smell...

Provided by JoEllen Fortenberry Ford

Categories     Cookies

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

14 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 c granulated sugar
2 c fresh dark brown sugar, packed
2 c plus two tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Steps:

  • 1. Adjust oven rack to middle and heat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • 2. Heat 10 tablespoons of butter in 10 inch skillet (not non-stick if possible, they make it harder to judge when butter is browned). Swirl melted butter over heat until it is dark golden brown and smells nutty, 1 to 3 min. Transfer butter to heatproof bowl. Add remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into hot butter to melt. Set aside for 15 min.
  • 3. Combine granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar and a dash of salt in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
  • 4. Whisk the flour, soda, baking powder,together in a medium bowl.
  • 5. Stir the remaining 1 3/4 brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in to the cooled butter until evenly combined. Add the egg, yolk, and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the flour mixture, mix until just combined, about 1 min.
  • 6. Working with a small cookie scoop, 2 inches, or 2 tablespoons of dough, roll the dough into balls. Working in batches, roll the balls in the reserved sugars and place them on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  • 7. Bake cookies, ONE sheet at a time, until browned slightly around the edges, set but soft in the center, rotating the sheet half way through the baking time. In my oven it is 11 minutes. Do not overbake as they become crisper when cooling. They do not look quite done. Bake only a few if you want to to try out your oven and timing. I always turn cookie sheets in the middle, all cookies.
  • 8. Cool the cookies for 5 min. on sheet then transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temp. if you can! Bake next batch the same way, turning in the middle. The cookies keep 3 days in air tight container. We never get to the second day.

BROWN SUGAR COOKIES



Brown Sugar Cookies image

These are really tasty. The flavor is even stronger if you let them sit after baking them overnight!

Provided by Noelle Hall

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Drop Cookie Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Beat brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture until dough is fully combined.
  • Pour confectioners' sugar onto a large plate. Spoon dough, 1 1/2 teaspoons per cookie, onto confectioners' sugar and roll to coat. Arrange coated dough on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until edges are lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool cookies on baking pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 61.6 calories, Carbohydrate 10.8 g, Cholesterol 10.3 mg, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 29.5 mg, Sugar 6.8 g

America's Best Brown Sugar Cookie Recipes

When it comes to cookies, there's nothing quite like the flavor of brown sugar. It adds a depth and richness that can't be replicated with white sugar alone. But what makes a brown sugar cookie truly amazing? Here are some key factors:

Texture

The best brown sugar cookies have a perfect balance of crispness on the outside and chewiness on the inside. Achieving this texture can be tricky, since brown sugar has a tendency to create a denser cookie. But with the right ratios of ingredients and careful baking, it can be done.

Flavor

The flavor of a brown sugar cookie should be warm and slightly caramel-y, without being overly sweet. This can be achieved by using a mix of brown and white sugar, or by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.

Add-ins

While a simple brown sugar cookie can be delicious on its own, adding extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can take it to the next level. Just be sure not to overload the dough with too many add-ins, or they may overpower the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Here are some of America's best brown sugar cookie recipes:
Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze

These cookies are sweet and indulgent, with a touch of maple flavor that complements the brown sugar perfectly. The glaze adds an extra layer of decadence.

Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles

A twist on the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie, these snickerdoodles use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor. Rolling them in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg gives them a festive look and extra spice.

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

This recipe gets its chewiness from a combination of brown sugar, cornstarch, and baking powder. The cookies have a subtle vanilla flavor and go perfectly with a glass of milk.

Salted Brown Sugar Cookies

A sprinkle of sea salt on top of these brown sugar cookies balances out the sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication. The dough also includes pecans for crunch and depth of flavor.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal adds a hearty texture to these brown sugar cookies, along with a bit of fiber. Raisins and cinnamon round out the classic oatmeal cookie flavor profile.

Gingerbread Brown Sugar Cookies

This recipe combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the sweetness of brown sugar for a cookie that's perfect for the holidays. They're cute and festive when cut into gingerbread man shapes!

As you can see, there are many delicious variations on the classic brown sugar cookie. Whether you're in the mood for something simple or something with a little spice or extra crunch, America's best brown sugar cookie recipes have got you covered.
Brown sugar cookies are a classic American treat that never go out of fashion. A chewy, scrumptious snack that is easy to bake, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The key to making the best brown sugar cookies is to have the right ingredients, the right recipe, and the right approach. In this article, we will be exploring the top tips for creating the most delightful brown sugar cookies that America has to offer.

Ingredient Selection

The first and most important step in baking brown sugar cookies is to select the right ingredients. Below are some valuable tips on what to look for when you are selecting your ingredients.
Brown Sugar
The name itself suggests that brown sugar is the most important ingredient for making brown sugar cookies. It is important to choose dark brown sugar as it has a high molasses content, which gives a richer flavor and chewy texture. Light brown sugar has less molasses, which can make the cookies too crispy.
Butter
Butter is a crucial ingredient when it comes to brown sugar cookies. It is important to use unsalted butter as using salted butter will alter the taste of the cookies. The butter should be at room temperature for easier creaming with the brown sugar, giving the cookies a smooth texture.
Eggs
Eggs are essential as they help to give the cookies a lift and a crumbly texture. Use room temperature eggs as they will mix more easily with the other ingredients.
Baking powder and Baking soda
Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the cookies rise while baking. It is important to use the correct amount of these ingredients as too much baking powder can cause cookies to spread, and too much baking soda can create a chemical taste in finished cookies.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use when making brown sugar cookies. It is versatile and readily available in most stores. Measure the flour correctly as too much flour will make the cookies dry and hard.

Recipe

The recipe you choose has an immense impact on the success of the cookies. If followed correctly, a good recipe will guide you through the process and help you achieve delicious results. Here are some tips on selecting the best recipe for creating the perfect brown sugar cookies.
Choose a Recipe Suited to Your Level of Experience
When selecting a recipe to use for your brown sugar cookies, it is essential to choose one that fits your level of experience. A more advanced recipe will produce a more complex and nuanced flavor, but may require skills that you do not have yet. So, choose a recipe that is aligned with your baking skills.
Read the Recipe Carefully
Before you start baking, read the recipe carefully. This will help you understand the steps, the ingredients required, and the equipment needed. Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand, and that you understand what you need to do at each stage of the recipe.
Follow the Recipe Accurately
A good recipe is a guideline that you must follow accurately to successful baking. Slight variations can produce different results. Follow the recipe precisely, avoid guessing, and avoid substituting ingredients unless directed by the recipe itself.

Technique and Baking

The perfect brown sugar cookies are not just about the ingredients and the recipe; technique and baking are also critical factors. Here are some tips for achieving a great end result.
Cream the Butter and Sugar Well
Creaming butter and sugar together is one of the most crucial steps in making brown sugar cookies. Creaming refers to the process of beating butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy. It creates a homogenous mixture that traps air and gives the cookies their characteristic texture. So, beat the butter and sugar well until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
Chill the Dough
After you have mixed your ingredients, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking. Chilling the dough can help the cookies retain their shape while baking and help the cookies develop richer flavor and texture.
Use a Cookie Scoop to Ensure Consistent Shape and Size
Using a cookie scoop is an effective way to ensure consistent shape and size for the cookies. A cookie scoop ensures every cookie is the same size which helps to ensure even baking. It also keeps the dough from sticking to your hands, which can mess up the shape of the cookie.
Rotate your Baking Sheet
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure every cookie is evenly baked. Some ovens have hot spots, and cookies in those areas will cook faster, while others may take longer. Rotating your baking sheet helps distribute the heat evenly and ensures that every cookie is baked to perfection.

Conclusion

Creating the best brown sugar cookies is a delicate process that requires a careful selection of ingredients, selecting the right recipe, and precise technique for baking. The tips we discussed above will help you bake the most delightful and delicious brown sugar cookies America has to offer. So, grab your apron, and start baking!

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