Easy 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies – Chewy & Delicious
There’s something deeply comforting about baking cookies when the ingredient list is short, the steps are simple, and the results are downright irresistible. These Easy 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies are proof that you don’t need a pantry full of extras to create something magical. Just three humble ingredients come together to make cookies that are chewy in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with rich caramel flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, beginner bakers, or anyone who loves the idea of baking from scratch without the fuss. No mixer, no chilling, no complicated techniques — just straightforward baking that delivers big rewards.
Brown sugar is the star of the show here. Unlike white sugar, it contains molasses, which gives these cookies their deep flavor, moist texture, and soft chew. Combined with butter and flour, it creates a dough that bakes into cookies that taste far more complex than their ingredient list suggests.
Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping up a small batch for yourself, or need a quick dessert that doesn’t require a grocery run, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies
Minimal recipes have a special kind of charm. They feel approachable, forgiving, and refreshingly uncomplicated. These cookies check all those boxes and more.
- Only three ingredients you probably already have
- No mixer required — just a bowl and a spoon
- Chewy, soft texture with crisp edges
- Rich brown sugar flavor that tastes bakery-worthy
- Perfect small-batch dessert without leftovers piling up
These cookies also serve as a fantastic base. Once you master the simple version, you can easily customize them with add-ins or flavor twists.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
That’s it. No eggs, no baking powder, no vanilla — and yet the cookies bake up beautifully every time.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Add the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and slightly thick but not crumbly.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll gently into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look soft and slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or let cool completely for a chewier texture.
Easy 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies – Chewy & Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
The Secret to That Perfect Chewy Texture
The magic of these cookies lies in brown sugar’s moisture content. Because brown sugar contains molasses, it attracts and retains moisture during baking. This keeps the cookies soft even after they cool.
Another key is not overbaking. Pulling the cookies from the oven while the centers still look soft ensures they finish setting as they cool, locking in that chewy bite.
Tips for Success
- Use softened butter, not melted. Melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Pack the brown sugar firmly when measuring for consistent sweetness and texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until the flour disappears.
- Bake one tray at a time for even results.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly to finish cooking gently.
Easy Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to experiment:
- Chocolate Chip Version: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Cookies: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking.
- Crinkle Style: Roll dough balls in extra brown sugar before flattening.
- Salted Finish: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on warm cookies.
Each variation keeps the spirit of the original recipe while adding a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine all on their own, but they’re also wonderful when paired with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream for an easy cookie sandwich
- Crumbled over yogurt or pudding
They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or late-night treats when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Dough can be rolled into balls and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.
Fun Cookie Fact
Brown sugar cookies have roots in early American baking, when molasses was more readily available than refined white sugar. Recipes like this one reflect a tradition of simple, resourceful baking — turning pantry staples into comforting treats.
Final Thoughts
These Easy 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies are a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they deliver everything you want in a homemade cookie: chewy texture, rich sweetness, and cozy nostalgia in every bite.
Once you try them, you’ll keep coming back — because sometimes, simple really is best.
