Goal: To measure dark brown sugar

Which of the following methods is more reasonable for accomplishing this goal?
Use scissors to cut the corner from a packet of brown sugar. Using a dessert spoon, take spoonfuls of brown sugar and put it into a cup measure. Use the bottom of the spoon to pack the sugar down into the cup. Pack the sugar in until it comes slightly above the brim of the measure. Holding the measure over a bowl, use the back of a butter knife to level off the top of the cup. Pour the excess sugar back into the bag.