Can chocolate chip cookies be made without brown sugar?

Yes — and they’re absolutely delicious! A choc chip cookie recipe without brown sugar delivers crispy edges, a golden finish, and rich buttery flavor. Instead of the soft, chewy centers that brown sugar adds, you get a lightly crisp texture and more pronounced vanilla and chocolate notes. It’s a fantastic option if you're low on ingredients or just love old-school, simple cookie vibes.

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

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, don’t panic. You can use white granulated sugar only to make cookies that are still sweet, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Want a closer match to brown sugar? Try mixing white sugar with a small spoonful of molasses, honey, or maple syrup. Or skip substitutes entirely — the basic recipe with white sugar alone is a winner.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for cookie dough?

Absolutely. Regular white sugar works great as a 1:1 substitute in most cookie recipes, including chocolate chip cookies. Just keep in mind that white sugar yields a slightly different result: cookies that are thinner, crispier, and lighter in color. Still, it’s one of the best and easiest ways to make a no brown sugar cookie mix at home.

Is brown sugar necessary for baking cookies?

Not always. While brown sugar helps with chewiness and moisture, it's not essential for a successful batch. Many bakers love the crisp texture and bold chocolate flavor that comes from skipping it. If you’re using a choc chip cookie recipe without brown sugar , you're not just making do — you’re making a deliberate, delicious choice.

Can I make vegan choc chip cookies without brown sugar?

Yes, you can make a vegan cookie recipe without brown sugar by replacing butter with a dairy-free alternative and using a flax egg or other vegan binder. Stick to white sugar for sweetness, and be sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. These cookies still bake up beautifully — crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and perfect with a plant-based twist.

Do cookies made without brown sugar taste different?

They do — but in a good way. Without brown sugar, cookies have a cleaner sweetness , more emphasis on vanilla, and a lighter, crispier texture. The chocolate stands out more, and the overall flavor is nostalgic and buttery. If you enjoy crunchy choc chip cookies or prefer less sweet desserts, this variation is a must-try.

Choc Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar – Simple, Crispy, and Delicious -2025

Description

These choc chip cookies without brown sugar are buttery, golden, and loaded with chocolate chips. A perfect, simple treat using pantry staples like white sugar, butter, flour, and eggs. No brown sugar? No problem — these cookies are crisp around the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1–1½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins.
Scoop the Dough:
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto the tray. Leave about 2 inches between cookies.
Flatten Slightly:
Press the tops down gently with the back of a spoon.
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set.
Cool:
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor.

Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 5–6 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on ~24 cookies total from the dough)
Calories: ~160 kcal
Sugar: ~11 g
Sodium: ~85 mg
Fat: ~8.5 g
Saturated Fat: ~5.3 g
Unsaturated Fat: ~2.8 g
Trans Fat: 0–0.2 g (depends on butter)
Carbohydrates: ~20 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g
Protein: ~1.5 g
Cholesterol: ~20 mg