Genius 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar

Last weekend I was hosting my sister’s kids and desperately needed a quick treat that wouldn’t require a grocery run. I opened my pantry and found just three humble ingredients staring back at me flour butter and brown sugar. What happened next felt like kitchen magic these incredibly simple cookies came together in minutes and had everyone asking for the secret recipe. Turns out sometimes the best secrets are hiding in plain sight and the most delicious solutions are also the simplest ones.

I first made these during a busy weekend and now these cookies are a hit every time friends come over because everyone loves how simple and delicious they are.

Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour: one cup plus two tablespoons ensures structure in the cookie while keeping it tender choose a good quality unbleached flour for best results
• Cold salted butter: eight tablespoons adds richness and helps create a tender crumb make sure it is cold for the right texture
• Packed brown sugar: one third cup delivers moisture and chewy texture pick a dark brown sugar for richer caramel notes

Instructions

Get Your Oven Ready:

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This baking sheet is your canvas so do not skip the parchment as it makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Blend the Magic Together:

Place all three ingredients into your food processor and pulse until the mixture looks sandy then continue for about two to three minutes until the dough starts clumping into a cohesive ball. If you don’t have a food processor use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the cold butter into the flour and sugar until just combined.

Shape Your Cookie Canvas:

Transfer the dough directly onto the parchmentlined baking sheet. Use your fingers to press and shape the dough roughly into an eight by eight inch square. Don’t worry about perfection rustic shapes give great character.

Slice and Space:

Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough square into rectangles or squares whatever size you prefer. Separate the pieces slightly to give them room to spread while baking.

The Chill Factor:

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. This chilling step is critical to prevent the cookies from spreading too much allowing them to maintain a chewy but not mushy texture.

Bake to Golden Bliss:

Bake in the preheated oven for ten to twelve minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. The cookies may look slightly underdone when you remove them but they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

One time I brought a batch to a family picnic and everyone was surprised such a simple recipe could taste so good. These cookies evoke comfort and easy joy every time I bake them.

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to four days. If you want longer storage freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Unsalted butter can be used if you adjust the salt elsewhere in the recipe. Light brown sugar will work but for a deeper flavor opt for dark brown sugar. If you want a gluten free version try a gluten free all purpose blend but expect slight texture changes.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert or snack.

These cookies are quick and reliably delicious. Enjoy them warm or save them for later.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of flour is best for these cookies?

All-purpose flour works best, providing the right balance for a chewy yet tender texture.

→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance flavor.

→ Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookie pieces.

→ How should I shape the dough before baking?

Press the dough into an 8x8-inch square on parchment paper, then slice into rectangles for even baking.

→ Can I mix the dough by hand if I don’t have a food processor?

Absolutely, use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend butter, flour, and sugar until it forms a cohesive dough.

→ What baking temperature and time should I use?

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.