1- Ready to bake some simple and delicious brown sugar cookies? Start by setting up your space for success. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line three sheet pans with parchment paper to keep things neat and easy.

2- Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (364 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. This step ensures your dry ingredients blend smoothly. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the 1 cup (2 sticks | 227 g) unsalted butter at room temperature on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.

3- Now, add the 1 3/4 cups brown sugar and 1 teaspoon molasses, beating until light and fluffy, which takes 2-3 minutes. Beat in the 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until everything mixes together perfectly. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing for that ideal chewy texture.

4- Place the 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar in a medium bowl for rolling. Form the dough into 1 1/2 oz (45 g) balls, about 2 tablespoons each, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar. Place about 8 cookies per sheet pan, spacing them evenly. Bake one pan at a time, rotating halfway through, until the sides are set and the bottoms are light golden brown, 10 to 11 minutes.

5- Finally, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on the rack. With a total time of just 26 minutes including 10 minutes prep, 11 minutes cook, and 5 minutes cooling you’ll have fresh cookies ready fast. This approach makes baking brown sugar cookies straightforward for beginners and pros alike.