Soft Brown Sugar Cookies

Make the cookies

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F with racks in the upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment or lightly grease them.

2. 2

   Step 2: To make the dough, whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. 3

   Step 3: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the brown sugar, butter, and molasses. Mix by hand, using a dough whisk if you like, or mix on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl halfway through mixing.

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined, about 1 minute, scraping the bowl halfway through mixing.

5. 5

   Step 5: Add the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated, about 1 minute, scraping the bowl as needed.

6. 6

   Step 6: To add the topping, place the granulated sugar in a small, shallow bowl. Use a tablespoon scoop or a generous tablespoon measure to scoop three or four portions of dough into the sugar. Roll them until evenly coated. For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough into neat balls before coating.

7. 7

   Step 7: Transfer the dough portions to a prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart; place about 12 to 14 cookies on each pan. Continue until you’ve used all the dough.

8. 8

   Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through. The edges should be set and the surfaces should begin to crack.

9. 9

   Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

10. 10

    Step 10: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.