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    Home » Desserts

    Updated: Mar 13, 2024 · Published: Jan 21, 2024 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

    Jump to Recipe

    These homemade chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar or baking powder are inspired by the original Toll House cookie recipe. No brown sugar, no problem. These cookies are still every bit as chewy & sweet as the classic recipe.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar PN1 a wood slab with a plate of cookies stacked on top and a few cookies to the side and a glass of milk

    There are a few changes so these chocolate chip cookies crisp on the outside plus soft and chewy on the inside. Brown sugar lends to the chewy moist texture in cookies but my secret ingredient replacement still delivers.

    This easy recipe is still from scratch but made with only white sugar, like my recipe for Hershey's Kiss Sugar Cookies. They are all the things you love, including they smell like home, are sweet, buttery, decadent, and packed with gooey semi-sweet chips in every bite. 

    Jump to:
    • Substitute for Brown Sugar in Cookies
    • Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • How to Make Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    • Cool & Enjoy
    • Variations
    • How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Freezing Cookie Dough
    • FAQ
    • Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

    Substitute for Brown Sugar in Cookies

    You can replace brown sugar in a recipe and use only white sugar when making these chocolate chip cookies.  The easiest brown sugar substitute is simply granulated white sugar. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement.

    Baking is a bit of science so you want to make sure you measure correctly. Also, follow the techniques and steps in this recipe. When you are baking with substitutes, like this recipe, or when making snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, making the right changes is the key to success.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar cookies fanned out ready to eat

    Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

    These chocolate chip cookies are made with granulated white sugar only, no brown or muscovado sugar substitute. No need to run to the store or borrow from the neighbors when a cookie craving hits!

    Secret Ingredient!! To still maintain the soft chewy texture of a good chocolate chip cookie, while not using brown sugar add cornstarch to the dough. Cornstarch will help make them thicker and softer so they do not flatten out. No thin crunchy cookies with this cookie hack.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar ingredients
    • All-Purpose Flour - the pantry staple makes the best cookies
    • Cornstarch - key to a chewy texture when no brown sugar is added.
    • Baking Soda - so the cookie rise & get fluffy.
    • Salt - balance the sweetness
    • White Sugar - without any brown sugar, the amount is double as a replacement compared to traditional recipes.
    • Butter - for rich buttery cookies that yield a crispy edge.
    • Egg - room temperature is best.
    • Vanilla - for classic flavor.
    • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - you can use milk or dark if you prefer.

    See the recipe card for amounts and full instructions.

    How to Make Cookies Without Brown Sugar

    Ever wonder if you can make cookies without brown sugar? Here is how to make chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar. This recipe is also made without any baking soda, a bonus.

    For this recipe, it is best to start with room-temperature ingredients. So you may need to plan ahead so that your butter and eggs are ready once you want to start mixing the cookie dough. Eggs mix easier when not cold, the yolk tends to combine easier with the whites and other ingredients.

    Eggs only need about 20 minutes or so to come to a temperature. Sticks of butter need at least an hour to soften at room temperature.  For a quick 15-20 minute hack try this microwave steaming method to Soften Butter Quickly. 

    1 - Combine the Dry Ingredients

    In a small mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, salt, & cornstarch.  Set the bowl aside until you are ready to combine it with the wet ingredients later.
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar adding salt to dry ingredients

    2 - Combine the Wet Ingredients

    ** Remember **  Bring butter & eggs to room temperature before mixing the dough.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients - softened butter, sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed to cream the ingredients together until well combined.
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar adding vanilla to sugar and butter
    Add the eggs one at a time and mix at low to medium speed. Once both eggs are combined with the wet ingredients, the dry ingredients are ready to be added.
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar add eggs to creamed mixture

    3 - Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients

    Add ½ of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With the hand mixer on low to medium, mix to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Add the other half slowly with the mixer on low until all the dry ingredients are added. Then mix on medium speed to combine completely, scrape edges with a rubber spatula as needed to incorporate all ingredients together.
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar adding dry to wet ingredients

    4 - Add the Chocolate Chips to the Cookie Batter

    Once the dough is ready, pour in the chocolate chips. Fold or stir them gently into the cookie dough to evenly distribute.
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar add chocolates to batter in the bowl

    5 - Refrigerate the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

    Chill the dough in the refrigerator for an hour. This will allow the cookies to bake slowly and not spread. This step is what gives the soft & chewy thick cookies even without the brown sugar. If you want them to be thin and crispy, you can skip this step.
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar bowl of batter on a shelf in the refrigerator

    6 - Scoop the Chilled Cookie Dough  & Bake

    About 10 minutes before the dough is done chilling, preheat the oven to 350°.
    Prepare a cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or spray/grease. Using hands or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough on the baking sheet. A dozen at a time will fit as you keep them evenly spaced so they can bake up evenly.
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar fold in the chocolate chips
     
    Do not flatten the cookies. Leave the dough in balls so they bake slowly and do not spread too thin.  This helps the chocolate chip cookies maintain the thick, soft, and chewy texture we love. Be sure to continue to chill the remaining cookie dough by placing it back in the refrigerator between batches.
     
    Once ready, bake for 10-12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.  When you remove the cookies from the oven, the center should still be a bit soft. The edges will be set and just starting to turn brown.
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar cookie batter dropped on a greased baking sheet

    Cool & Enjoy

    Let the cookies set for 2 minutes while still on the baking sheet. This helps firm them up and is the reason why you want them to still be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool.
     
    Using a spatula, carefully remove hot cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a cooling rack.  They need only a few minutes to cool if you want to eat them warm.
     
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar cookies cooling on a baking rack

    Enjoy cookies slightly warm or cool completely to stack or store for later enjoyment. Continue shaping, baking, and cooling each dozen. This will make about 4-5 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cookies you are rolling into dough balls.

     
     
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar stacked cookies on the cooling rack

    Variations

    With just a few changes you can use this chocolate chip cookie recipe to make other delicious cookies too. Instead of the chips, chop up your favorite candy bar or add M&Ms to this cookie recipe without brown sugar. A simple replacement is to use different kinds of chips like butterscotch or peanut butter.

    Here are other Chocolate Chip Substitutes. Other ideas include adding Old-Fashioned Classic Toffee, as in my sweet & salty recipe for Salted Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    If you like this recipe try my recipe for how to make cookies without vanilla extract. It is another great fresh-baked cookie recipe using a substitute.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar cookies ready to eat fanned on the marble counter and a hand holding one up close

    How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Chocolate chip cookies can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

     

    Freezing Cookie Dough

    To bake later, you can freeze this chocolate chip cookie dough. It freezes well and bakes up perfectly later. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer if stored in an air-tight ziplock bag properly. Thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar ready to eat overhead a plate stacked with cookies and 3 fanned to the side

    FAQ

    Do I have to chill the dough?

    The chilled dough doesn't spread as quickly when baking which results in a thicker chewier cookie. If you do not mind a thin cookie that is crisper, you do not need to chill the dough. You can scoop and bake immediately.

    How to keep the cookies soft?

    Storing them properly will ensure they do not get hard the next day. Also, be sure to not overbake them. Overbaked cookies (plus ones that are too thin) tend to dry out and get hard faster.

    Will the cookie still rise without baking powder?

    Baking powder helps cookies be light and puff up as they cook. It is what also gives them a chewy tender texture. These cookies have baking soda in them which will activate that rise as it bakes.

    There is a difference between baking soda vs baking powder.
    The cornstarch acts as the dough tenderizer for a lovely soft cookie. You will never guess these cookies are made without baking powder.

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar PIN a wood slab topped with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk

     

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    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar PINREDO overhead image of a white plate piled up with cookies and a glass of milk to the side
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar featured overhead of a plate of cookies and a glass of milk

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

    Angela
    Chocolate chip cookies are easy to make without brown sugar. Using white sugar only in this recipe makes a wonderful cookie that is slightly crisp but soft and chewy even without the brown sugar.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 60
    Calories 99 kcal

    Equipment

    • cookie baking pans
    • cooling rack
    • hand mixer

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks) softened/room temperature
    • 1 ½ cup granulated white sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Bring butter & eggs to room temperature before mixing the dough.
    • In a small mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, salt, & cornstarch.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients - softened butter, sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed to cream the ingredients together until well combined.
    • Add the eggs one at a time and mix at low to medium speed. Once both eggs are combined with the wet ingredients, the dry ingredients are ready to be added.
    • Add ½ of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With the hand mixer on low to medium, mix to bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Add the other half slowly with the mixer on low until all the dry ingredients are added. Then mix on medium speed to combine completely, scrape edges with a rubber spatula as need to incorporate all ingredients together.
    • Once the dough is ready, pour in the chocolate chips. Fold or stir them gently into the cookie dough to evenly distribute.
    • Chill the dough in the refrigerator for an hour. This will allow the cookies to bake slowly and not spread. This step is what gives the soft & chewy thick cookies even without the brown sugar. If you want them to be thin and crispier, you can skip this step.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°
    • Prepare a cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or spray/grease. Using hands or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough on the baking sheet. A dozen at a time will fit as you keep them evenly spaced so they can bake up evenly.
    • Bake 10-12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.
    • Using a spatula, carefully remove hot cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a cooling rack.
    • Continue shaping, baking, and cooling each dozen. This will make about 4-5 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cookies you are rolling into dough balls.
    • Enjoy cookies slightly warm or cool.
      Chocolate chip cookies can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
      The dough can be frozen to bake later. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer if stored in an air-tight ziplock bag properly.

    Notes

    This is the nutritional information for making 5 dozen cookies from the dough. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 84mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 105IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword baked, baking, chocolate, christmas, comfort food, cookie, crowd-pleasing, dessert, Easter, easy, gifts, holiday, homemade, kid favorite, kid-friendly, lunchbox, party, snack, sweet, Valentines
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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    15 Best Recipes for Leftover Baked Potatoes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Anjali says

      October 22, 2021 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      My kids and I made these cookies today and they turned out great! They were chewy, soft and perfectly sweet!

      Reply
    2. Andrea says

      October 22, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, these cookies bring back some childhood memories. Would make cookies like these with my aunt. They are really good.

      Reply
    3. Suzanne says

      January 06, 2022 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      This saved the day. We are all home due to covid exposure & wanted cookies. No one can go to the store to get brown sugar & this is how we got to this. And now we don’t care, best chocolate chip cookies with or without brown sugar. Yes

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 07, 2022 at 8:26 am

        Oh no - I hope you all stay healthy and test negative. I am happy that the cookies helped though.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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