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    Home > Recipes > Cookies > Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar

    Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar

    Published on November 26, 2021. Last updated on November 26, 2021. By Gabby. 32 Comments

    311 shares
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    This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

    Jump to Recipe

    These chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar are soft, gooey, and just as delicious as classic chocolate chip cookies! Made using just 8 ingredients, with no chill time, and ready in 16 minutes!

    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked on top of each other with chocolate chips scattered around them
    TABLE OF CONTENTS show
    1 Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar Work
    2 Ingredients Needed
    3 Step By Step Instructions
    4 Storage and Freezing Instructions
    5 Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar

    If there is one thing that chocolate chip cookies have in common, it's that they pretty much all have brown sugar in them. Well what if you ran out of brown sugar but you still want cookies?! Don't worry, these chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar are here to save the day!

    These chocolate chip sugar cookies taste just like a classic chocolate chip cookie, and use just the right amount of flour, granulated sugar and butter to achieve that soft texture that typically requires brown sugar! You can make these cookies using either dairy free butter or regular butter too!

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement="false" doNotOptimizePlacement="false" jsonLd="true" key="oj5n51a1stmudwgsi32y" ratio="16:9" thumbnail="https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1637943049/u9ynj7fn23ibwsjzzgpj.jpg" title="Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar" volume="70"]
    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar on a baking sheet sprinkled with salt

    Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar Work

    • These cookies are ready in 16 minutes - they seriously couldn't be easier! The dough doesn't even need to chill.
    • They freeze really well both before and after baking!
    • If you find yourself running low on ingredients, you can still make these cookies! All you need are 8 simple pantry ingredients to make this recipe.
    • If you want thicker cookies, you can easily just chill the dough overnight and bake the next day!
    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked on top of each other and split in half

    Ingredients Needed

    • Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, and hasn't been tested using any other flour.
    • Butter: You can make these cookies dairy free by using dairy free butter, or you can make them using regular butter!
    • Vanilla extract: I recommend using real vanilla extract if possible, as it gives the cookies so much flavor!
    • Chocolate chips: You can use semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips. You can even use white chocolate chips (if you're making these dairy free, use vegan white chocolate chips). I also like to chop up a chocolate bar and use chocolate chunks instead of chips!
    • Egg: These cookies have not been tested with any egg substitutes.
    ingredients needed to make chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar in bowls with labels

    Step By Step Instructions

    STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.

    STEP TWO: In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer, beat butter and sugar until light in color and fluffy (around 1-2 minutes).

    STEP THREE: Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in the chocolate chips.

    STEP FOUR: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to form the dough into 1.5 tablespoon sized balls, placing them on the baking sheet, 3-4 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges look set and have just begun to darken - but are not golden brown! The cookies will look under-baked! Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

    step by step showing how to make chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar
    Is brown sugar necessary for cookies?

    Most chocolate chip cookie recipes use a mix of brown sugar (for added moisture and chewiness), and granulated sugar (for that slight crisp on the edges of a cookie), but it is not necessary. This recipe has been specifically created to work perfectly without any brown sugar.

    Some other types of cookie recipes, like sugar cookies or shortbread cookies, don't use any brown sugar at all and are still delicious!

    Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

    Nope! No chill time required, but if you want to make the dough now and bake the cookies later, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge to chill for up to two days.

    Why are my cookies hard the next day?

    The single most important thing to do when making these cookies is to not over-bake them. If you leave the cookies in the oven until they are golden brown, they will not stay soft the next day. Because these cookies don't have brown sugar in them (one of the key ingredients of a soft cookie), this is extra important!

    What can I use if I don't have brown sugar for cookies?

    In general, there are a few options for sugar substitutes if you don't have brown sugar:

    1. Granulated (white) sugar: white sugar can be used as a substitute in many recipes at a 1-1 ratio.
    2. Dark (demerara) sugar: Very similar to light brown sugar, demerara can usually be used as a substitute for light brown sugar.
    3. Coconut sugar: coconut sugar works really well in many recipes and has a similar texture to brown sugar.

    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked on top of each other

    Expert Tips

    • Properly measure your flour: Please use a kitchen scale or the scoop and level method to properly measure your flour! This is the most common baking mistake I see and the cookies will be as soft and chewy as they should be if you over-measure your flour.
    • Do not over-bake the cookies! Leaving the cookies in the oven even one minute too long can lead to over-baked cookies. These cookies don't rely on brown sugar for their soft and chewy texture, but instead rely on the right baking time! If you want cookies that stay soft for days, keep an eye on the cookies and when in doubt, it's better to take the first batch out too early, than too late! The edges will have a tiny but of color but will not be fully golden brown.
    • Top the cookies with extra chocolate chips to create gooey pools of chocolate on top of them!
    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked on top of each other and split in half with chocolate chips scattered around

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    To get that fresh out of the oven texture in the days after the cookies have been baked, pop one in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. They will now be gooey and warm again, but be sure to eat them right away or else they will harden after being microwaves.

    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    The baked cookies can stored in a freezer bag and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you're ready to eat them.

    To freeze the cookie dough, scoop it balls with a cookie scoop and place them on a parchment lined plate in the freezer until they are firm. Transfer them all into a ziploc freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

    Allow the dough to soften a little before baking. They will require 1-3 more minutes of baking time and the edges will get golden brown (unlike when you bake the cookies directly after making the dough).

    More Recipes Without Brown Sugar That You'll Love

    • Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
    • Sugar Cookie Dough (Edible)
    • Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies
    • Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

    If you make this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check it out!

    chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar stacked on top of each other and split in half

    Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar

    Gabby
    These chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar are made with 8 ingredients, no chill time, and ready in 16 minutes! Soft, gooey, and full of chocolate chips!
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 mins
    Bake 8 mins
    Total Time 16 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 19 cookies
    Calories 157 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowl
    • Baking Sheets

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ¾ cup butter, softened (regular or dairy free)
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 1¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (regular or vegan)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, combine butter and sugar, mixing until light and fluffy (around 1-2 minutes).
    • Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until just combined (do not over-mix!).
    • Mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips and mix until combined. SEE NOTES
    • Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to make 1.5 tablespoon sized balls and place them on the baking sheet around 3-4 inches apart.
    • Bake the cookies (one sheet at a time for even baking) for 8-11 minutes. Remove them from the oven when the edges look set and have just begun to darken on the edges - but the edges should not be golden brown! It is very important that these cookies are under-baked in order for them to stay soft. They will look under-baked (but will continue to bake on the baking sheet) and very pale, because there is no brown sugar in the recipe. Remove from the oven and leave them on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    PLEASE NOTE: I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh your dry ingredients. Metric measurements are found above, under the "Metric" tab.
    MEASURING FLOUR: Please properly measure your flour using either a kitchen scale or by fluffing it up in the bag with a fork, then using a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and then use the back of a butterknife to level it off (the is the scoop and level method)
    THICKER COOKIES: For thicker, puffier cookies, you can chill the dough in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
    CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You can use any kind of chocolate chips. I like to use semisweet. You can also use a chopped up chocolate bar or even white chocolate chips.
    Storage and Freezing: Store the cookies in an airtight container or ziploc bag at room temperature for 5-6 days.
    The baked cookies can be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you're ready to eat them.
    Freezing the cookie dough: To freeze the dough and bake later, use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Once they are firm but not frozen completely, transfer to a plastic freezer bag if desired, then freeze up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 166mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 356IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    The calorie information provided for this recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.

    « Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Rad

      February 02, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      5 stars
      I didn't have brown sugar and the store were out, so I tried this recipe. These are the best cookies ever. Making these again.
      Thank you for Sharing
      Love Lisa

      Reply
      • Gabby

        February 06, 2023 at 3:59 pm

        I'm thrilled to hear that Lisa! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 😀

        Reply
    2. Dany

      January 03, 2023 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      WOW these are probably one of the best cookies I’ve ever made. 100% recommend. It was super easy and quick to make.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        January 03, 2023 at 9:09 pm

        I'm so happy to that you loved them so much Dany! Thanks for the review!

        Reply
    3. Betsy

      December 30, 2022 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      My new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe! The edges are crisp and perfect. The cookie bakes well and tastes amazing.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        January 03, 2023 at 9:14 pm

        Hi Betsy! I'm so happy that you loved them 🙂

        Reply
    4. Bridget

      December 10, 2022 at 10:21 am

      5 stars
      Hi Gabby! I LOVED this recipe! My kids had SO much fun making them with me??! They were JUST right and tasted DELICIOUS! Of course my husband ate them in one sitting during the football match yesterday...

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 10, 2022 at 8:09 pm

        Hi Bridget! I am so happy that you all enjoyed the cookies so much and that they got devoured!! Thanks so much for the review 😀

        Reply
    5. Kristin Wright

      December 04, 2022 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious cookies!! This recipe turned out amazing. Although I used 16 oz bag of chocolate chips.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 05, 2022 at 4:26 pm

        Hi Kristin! I am so happy that you loved the cookies. Thanks for the review!

        Reply
    6. Belinda

      November 22, 2022 at 4:53 am

      5 stars
      I just made these tonight, and as I had no brown sugar I was worried they would turn out crispy. Well they turned out amazing and gooey chewy! I Mae sure measurements were exact. They are delicious, and I usually add tbsp of molasses when I bake choco chip cookies, so I did in these. But great recipe and delicious , exactly the way they should be! Thanks

      Reply
      • Gabby

        November 22, 2022 at 4:20 pm

        Hi Belinda! I am so thrilled to hear how much you loved the cookies! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sarah

      September 26, 2022 at 4:55 am

      Do I hand mix in the flower or can I use an electric mixer??

      Reply
      • Gabby

        September 26, 2022 at 2:15 pm

        You can use a mixer, just careful not to over-mix!

        Reply
    8. Boyle

      September 23, 2022 at 5:42 am

      5 stars
      Way better than the other top ranking recipe I tried! Loved these cookies so much!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        September 23, 2022 at 2:56 pm

        Hi Boyle! Yay so happy you loved them! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂

        Reply
    9. Olivia

      June 13, 2022 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      I was a little worried on how these would turn out because if not using brown sugar, but they turned out amazing. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        June 13, 2022 at 4:29 pm

        Hi Olivia! I'm so happy to hear that you loved the cookies! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review 😀

        Reply
    10. Devin

      June 06, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      Best

      Reply
      • Gabby

        June 06, 2022 at 2:54 pm

        Hi Devin! So glad you loved them!

        Reply
    11. Leah

      June 06, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      Soo delicious!! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        June 06, 2022 at 2:54 pm

        Hi Leah! So happy you loved the cookies 🙂

        Reply
    12. Amina

      May 06, 2022 at 12:05 am

      What is metric of 3/4 cup butter into gram. When I searched there’s different comments 170g, 185g?

      Do you mind showing a table for metric table from cups to grams as I still get muddled between them and there’s so many versions online. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        May 06, 2022 at 12:10 am

        Hi Amina! If you click the tab that says "Metric" right underneath the Ingredients heading in the recipe card, the measurements will switch to show up in grams 🙂 You'll need 158 grams of butter for this recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Lisa

      January 11, 2022 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      i normally make your classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but my daughter asked for cookies and I was out of brown sugar so I tried these - they an awesome alternative to the classic recipe for those who don't plan ahead or have a demanding 5 year old that needs cookies NOW (can you blame her??) Thanks for another awesome recipe Gabby!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        January 12, 2022 at 3:43 pm

        Hi Lisa! I am so happy to hear that you both loved the recipe! Thanks so much for leaving a review! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Kristin

      December 07, 2021 at 2:32 am

      5 stars
      Simply delicious! Chocolate chip cookies are a staple in our home and these ones are tough to beat!!!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 07, 2021 at 4:00 pm

        Hi Kristin! Yay! I'm so happy that you loved the cookies - thanks so much for the review! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Melissa

      November 27, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      Can I makes gluten free??

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 03, 2021 at 12:49 am

        Hi Melissa! I haven't personally tested this recipe gluten free, so I can't say for sure how it will turn out. I would think that your best bet would be to use gluten free 1-1 baking flour (like Bob's Red Mill, for example). I'd love to hear how it goes if you try it!

        Reply
        • Güzide

          March 25, 2022 at 4:01 pm

          5 stars
          I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies but ran out of brown sugar. This recipe is perfect, they're easy to make and SOOO delicious. Thank u soo much

        • Gabby

          March 25, 2022 at 4:11 pm

          Hi Güzide! Yay, I am so thrilled to hear that you loved the cookies!! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

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