A Delicious Twist on the Classic
Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
With this recipe, you’ll get crispy yet soft cookies without brown sugar that still hit the spot when you’re craving chocolate chip goodness. Whether you’re baking with what you have on hand or trying a new twist, these cookies are sure to please!
Table of Contents
Why Make Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar?
Most chocolate chip cookie recipes rely on a combination of white and brown sugar for that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor. But what if you’re out of brown sugar or prefer a lighter, crispier cookie? Enter chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar—just as tasty but with a slightly different texture and flavor profile. These cookies are lighter in color and have a crispier texture around the edges with a soft center.
Maybe you’ve been looking for a chocolate chip cookie recipe without brown sugar because you simply don’t have it on hand, or maybe you’re trying to reduce the caramel notes that brown sugar brings to the cookie. Either way, this recipe is here to satisfy your cookie cravings!
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups | Provides the structure for the cookies |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens the cookies, replacing brown sugar |
Butter | 1 cup | Unsalted, softened for a creamy base |
Egg | 2 large | Binds the dough and adds richness |
Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Enhances the flavor |
Baking soda | 1 tsp | For leavening |
Salt | ½ tsp | Balances the sweetness |
Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 ½ cups | The star ingredient! |
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent spreading.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter blends more easily with sugar and creates a smoother dough.
- Check the Cookies Early: Start checking the cookies at around 9 minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a quick and easy dessert.
- Crumbled Over Yogurt: For a fun twist, crumble these cookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet and crunchy breakfast treat.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate chocolate-chip cookies without brown sugar.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for added texture and a wholesome twist.
- Nutty Addition: For added crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
- Low-Sugar Dieters: These cookies are sweetened with white sugar, making them a poor choice for anyone reducing sugar intake.
- Gluten Sensitivity: Unless using a gluten-free flour substitute, these cookies are made with all-purpose flour and are not gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Diets: The recipe calls for butter, which is not suitable for those on dairy-free diets, though plant-based butter alternatives can work as a substitute.
FAQ
1. Can I replace the white sugar with brown sugar?
Yes, but this recipe is specifically for those looking to avoid brown sugar. If you want a more classic cookie with a chewy texture, replacing part or all of the white sugar with brown sugar will work.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store your chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough in pre-scooped balls. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried making chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar before? Share your experiences in the comments below! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Don’t forget to check out my other chocolate chip cookie recipe without brown sugar variations too!
Also check out my other cookie recipes, classic cookies, family cookies, cookies made for kids, and quick and easy cookie recipe categories for further inspiration and ideas!