Looking for a unique cookie that offers both sweetness and a touch of tartness? These Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies combine the rich, caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar with the vibrant tartness of rhubarb. This chewy, yet slightly crunchy treat is ideal for pairing with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it the perfect addition to any lunchbox or picnic. Whether you’re an avid baker or a rhubarb enthusiast, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and introduce a delightful twist to your cookie repertoire.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies
These Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion. The combination of soft and chewy texture with a slight crunch from the bottom creates a satisfying bite. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them with your morning coffee, pack them in the lunchbox, or even bring them to a bake sale. Their balance of sweetness and tartness makes them a crowd-pleaser, while the addition of rhubarb offers a refreshing twist on traditional cookie flavors.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies
Before you dive into the baking process, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for these delightful cookies:
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a deep, caramel flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps with the cookie’s chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile, making it more aromatic.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced note to complement the rhubarb.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional lift to the dough.
• Rhubarb: The star ingredient, offering a sweet-tart bite that perfectly complements the brown sugar.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing some of the ingredients or want to switch things up, consider these alternatives:
• White Baking Chips: Add a touch of creaminess and sweetness to the dough.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: For extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar: If you prefer a more robust molasses flavor, dark brown sugar can be swapped in for light brown sugar.
• Almond Extract: For a nutty twist instead of vanilla extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies
Ready to start baking? Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the light brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Mix in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Continue beating until a dough forms.
- Incorporate the rhubarb: Gently fold in the finely diced rhubarb to distribute it evenly throughout the dough.
- Form the cookies: Using a 1-inch cookie dough scoop, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies
• Adjust for rhubarb moisture: Depending on the water content in your rhubarb, you may need to add more flour to achieve the right dough consistency. This also affects the baking time, so keep an eye on your cookies.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a ziploc bag or airtight container for up to 30 days.
• Don’t overbake: For the best texture, remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a drier cookie.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Looking to take these Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies to the next level? Try pairing them with:
• Tea: Earl Grey or black tea complements the tart rhubarb beautifully.
• Coffee: The sweetness of the cookie balances perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.
• Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s flavors.
Variations:
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of ginger or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note that enhances the rhubarb’s tartness.
Why You Should Make Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies Today
These Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies are an ideal treat for spring and summer, thanks to the fresh, seasonal rhubarb. Their balance of sweet and tart, chewy and crunchy textures makes them a delightful dessert or snack. Plus, they’re simple to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage or pack them up for a special event like a picnic or bake sale.
Conclusion: Enjoy These Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies Today
In conclusion, Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies are a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them an irresistible addition to your baking collection. With their chewy texture, slight crunch, and the unique burst of rhubarb flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea or looking for a fun bake sale idea, these cookies will impress your friends and family. So, why not give them a try today and enjoy the fresh, seasonal flavor of rhubarb in every bite?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies
Can I use frozen rhubarb in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dough to prevent it from affecting the texture of the cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the consistency of the dough and adjust the flour quantity if needed, as gluten-free flours may vary in absorbency.
Can I add other fruits to these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a fruity twist. However, be mindful of the moisture content in the fruits you add and adjust the flour accordingly to maintain the dough consistency.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a ziploc bag or airtight container for up to 30 days.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies
- Total Time: 24 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Rhubarb Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Soft, chewy with a bit of crunch, and filled with fresh rhubarb, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup finely diced rhubarb
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat well until dough forms.
- Fold in the diced rhubarb and mix until evenly distributed.
- Using a 1-inch cookie dough scoop, place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Depending on the water content of your rhubarb, you may need to add more flour to maintain the dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 30 days in an airtight container or ziploc bag.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 14 min
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 106.22
- Sugar: 8.98 g
- Sodium: 116.41 mg
- Fat: 4.14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.51 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.87 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.29 g
- Fiber: 0.38 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 17.92 mg