Can you make soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar? Absolutely! While brown sugar is often praised for adding moisture and caramel notes, this recipe proves that using only white sugar can still deliver cookies with golden edges, a tender center, and plenty of chocolatey goodness. Whether you’ve run out of brown sugar or simply prefer a lighter flavor, this guide walks you through every step—plus tips for freezing dough and adapting the recipe to your taste.
Why Skip Brown Sugar in Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Brown sugar is a staple in many cookie recipes for its molasses content, which adds depth and chewiness. But what if you don’t have any on hand? This recipe uses clever techniques—like creaming butter and sugar thoroughly—to mimic that classic texture. The result? Cookies that are crisp on the edges, soft inside, and just sweet enough.
Key benefits of this recipe:
- No specialty ingredients required (hello, pantry staples!).
- Perfect for bakers who prefer a less caramel-forward flavor.
- Dough can be frozen for months—bake cookies on demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar
- 1 cup (230g) softened butter (soft enough to leave a fingerprint when pressed)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) caster sugar (or granulated sugar; see notes below)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature; substitute with flax eggs for an eggless version)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (270g) chocolate chips or chunks
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions (No Brown Sugar)
1. Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro
Start by beating softened butter and caster sugar in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 10–12 minutes until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and almost whipped. This step incorporates air, which replaces the moisture typically provided by brown sugar.
Pro Tip: Scrape the bowl’s sides every few minutes to ensure even mixing. The mixture should go from grainy and bright yellow to smooth and light.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla Gradually
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. For eggless cookies, substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, rested for 5 minutes).
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in chocolate chips or chunks. For bakery-style cookies, reserve a handful to press onto the dough balls before baking.
5. Chill the Dough
Scoop dough into 2-tbsp portions onto a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or the fridge for 1 hour. Chilling prevents overspreading and enhances flavor.
Freezing Tip: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place dough balls 3 inches apart on a baking sheet (they’ll spread!). Bake for 13–15 minutes until edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone.
Final Touch: Sprinkle with sea salt immediately after baking. For uniform shapes, gently guide cookies into circles with a large cookie cutter.
Taste Test: Do These Cookies Measure Up?
Without brown sugar, these cookies trade caramel notes for a cleaner, buttery sweetness. The texture? Crispy edges with a soft, almost cake-like center. While purists might miss molasses’ depth, this version is a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with high-quality chocolate.
Serving and Storage
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Who needs brown sugar? This recipe proves that simplicity can shine. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute guest or stocking your freezer, these cookies are a reliable, delicious staple.
Craving more? Try our 2 Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes or learn 10-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe.