Warm Spiced Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles

Irresistible Giant Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Chewy & Sweet Recipe

Discover the ultimate giant-sized snickerdoodle cookies, crafted with the rich depth of brown sugar and generously coated in a shimmering cinnamon-sugar mixture for an unbelievably sweet, crunchy exterior and a luxuriously soft, wonderfully chewy center.

Giant Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating, ready to be enjoyed.

Prepare yourselves, cookie lovers, because I’ve taken my cherished original snickerdoodle recipe and given it a magnificent, game-changing twist. And guess what? Sometimes, a little culinary experimentation leads to absolute perfection. These brown sugar snickerdoodle cookies are not just proof; they are a revelation, transforming a classic into an unforgettable giant treat.

The secret to their extraordinary texture lies in a simple, yet impactful, ingredient swap. I meticulously replaced a portion of the granulated sugar with dark brown sugar. This subtle alteration yields an incredibly soft and exquisitely chewy cookie, perfectly complemented by its signature crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s a texture sensation that will have you reaching for another, larger-than-life bite.

Close-up of a giant brown sugar snickerdoodle cookie, showing its soft interior and glistening cinnamon-sugar crust.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. I also decided to make these cookies extra-large, because when it comes to snickerdoodles, I firmly believe that bigger truly is better. Imagine being presented with a choice: a tiny, unassuming cookie or a massive, satisfying, palm-sized indulgence. Which would you instinctively choose? The answer is obvious, isn’t it?

Exactly! There’s an undeniable joy in biting into a cookie that feels substantial, a treat that promises a longer, more fulfilling experience. Just like diamonds and dollar bills, some things are simply better in larger quantities, and these giant brown sugar snickerdoodles embody that philosophy perfectly. They are designed to deliver maximum comfort and delight with every single delicious mouthful.

Stack of freshly baked giant brown sugar snickerdoodle cookies on a cooling rack.

The Undeniable Magic of Brown Sugar in Snickerdoodles

Traditional snickerdoodles rely solely on granulated sugar, creating a light, crisp, and slightly chewy cookie. However, introducing dark brown sugar into the mix elevates the game entirely. Brown sugar, with its inherent molasses content, not only imparts a richer, deeper caramel-like flavor but also significantly increases the moisture content of the dough. This is key to achieving that supremely soft and incredibly chewy texture that makes these giant snickerdoodles so addictive.

The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to a slightly chewier bite and helps the cookies stay fresh and moist for longer. It provides a beautiful contrast to the bright, spicy notes of cinnamon, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile than you might find in a standard snickerdoodle. This isn’t just a snickerdoodle; it’s a brown sugar snickerdoodle, and that distinction makes all the difference in achieving a truly gourmet homemade cookie experience.

Embracing the Giant Cookie Philosophy

Why go giant? Beyond the sheer visual appeal, a larger cookie offers a different kind of eating experience. The increased volume allows for a greater contrast between the crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior and the soft, gooey interior. Each bite is more satisfying, more luxurious. It means fewer trips back to the cookie jar (unless you just can’t resist), and a feeling of genuine indulgence.

Making giant cookies also requires a slightly different approach to baking, ensuring they cook through evenly without becoming dry or underdone in the center. But don’t worry, the recipe has been perfectly calibrated for these magnificent proportions, guaranteeing a consistently delicious result every time. These aren’t just big; they’re perfectly balanced in their grandiosity.

The Golden Rule: Don’t Skip the Dough Chill!

Now, there’s one crucial step I absolutely must emphasize, a non-negotiable directive for achieving snickerdoodle perfection: you *must* allow your cookie dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Yes, these cookies are not for those seeking instant gratification, but I promise you, the wait is more than worth it.

Please, I implore you, do not skip the part in the recipe instructions where it kindly informs you to chill the dough. This step is not merely a suggestion; it is the cornerstone of achieving those perfectly puffy, mammoth-sized cookies with the ideal texture. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too rapidly in the oven. This results in thicker, chewier cookies. Furthermore, chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, concentrating that delightful brown sugar and spice essence. If you decide to ignore my fervent plea and bake your cookies immediately, don’t come back with tales of flat, greasy disappointments, because I told you so! The reward for your patience is a truly superior snickerdoodle.

Raw giant brown sugar snickerdoodle cookie dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, ready for baking.

Crafting Your Jumbo Snickerdoodles

To achieve the impressive jumbo size I’ve perfected, I highly recommend using a 1/4-cup cookie scoop. This ensures consistency in size, which is vital for even baking. If you don’t own this essential baking tool, you can simply measure out 1/4-cup portions of dough using a standard measuring cup. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and like to live on the edge, you can eyeball it – but for best results, precision is your friend!

Before your perfectly portioned, (chilled, remember!) dough balls enter the warm embrace of the oven, they take a delightful swim in a luxurious cinnamon-sugar bath. This generous coating is what gives these cookies their characteristic crunchy, glistening exterior. Oh, how I wish I could be that pampered, chilled dough ball, anticipating pure bliss!

Once baked to golden perfection, it’s crucial to exercise a little more patience. Leave your giant snickerdoodles to cool on the baking pan for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly and finish setting. We don’t want all your effort to go to waste by attempting to dislodge the cookies from the pan too early, only to have them crumble into a sad, crumpled heap. A gentle transition from hot pan to cooling rack is key to preserving their magnificent shape and integrity.

Freshly baked giant brown sugar snickerdoodle cookies cooling on a wire rack.

The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Experience

The moment has arrived. The outer layer of these colossal doodles glistens invitingly with their sweet cinnamon-sugar crust. Take a bite, and you’ll experience that satisfying crunch through the crispy exterior. Immediately, your lips will graze the soft, exquisitely caramelized center – so wonderfully gooey, so profoundly chewy. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors; pure, unadulterated snickerdoodle bliss that will leave you utterly content. These giant brown sugar snickerdoodles are more than just a cookie; they’re an experience, a moment of pure culinary joy.

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Print Recipe

Giant Brown Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies

These giant-sized snickerdoodle cookies are made with rich dark brown sugar to create an exceptionally moist, wonderfully chewy, and perfectly spiced treat with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. The ultimate indulgent cookie!

Yield: 12-15 giant cookies

Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar, plus an additional 1/2 cup for the cinnamon coating

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the coating)

Directions:

1. In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the packed brown sugar on medium speed for 5 minutes. Continue beating until the mixture becomes visibly light and fluffy. Be diligent about stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring everything is thoroughly incorporated.

2. Beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Continue beating for a total of 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is thoroughly combined and emulsified. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once more. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cream of tartar until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture. Increase the speed to medium and continue to beat just until the flour is combined, being careful not to overmix. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a uniform dough.

5. Transfer the prepared dough to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial step prevents spreading and enhances flavor and texture.

6. Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

7. In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the reserved 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to create your coating mixture.

8. Using a 1/4-cup cookie scoop (or by measuring out 1/4 cup portions), scoop the chilled dough and gently roll it into a ball. Drop the dough ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll it around until it is completely coated on all sides. Repeat for each cookie.

9. Place four of these giant-sized, coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least 5 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. For best results, stagger the dough balls on the pan rather than placing them in a straight line.

10. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a light golden color and set, but the centers still appear slightly soft and puffy. Overbaking will result in a drier cookie.

11. Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a full 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.

12. Store the cooled giant brown sugar snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Note on Regular-Sized Cookies: If you prefer to bake traditional, regular-sized snickerdoodles with this delicious brown sugar recipe, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to prepare the dough as described in step 8. Space these smaller cookies approximately 3 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 13-14 minutes. This adjustment will yield between 24-28 smaller, yet equally delightful, cookies.

Baking Tip: For the chewiest results, consider slightly underbaking your cookies. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.

Adapted from Flour Bakery + Cafe

All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.

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