If you are looking for a cookie that brings together the comforting richness of browned butter and the sweet nostalgia of classic sugar cookies, look no further. The Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true game-changer in your baking repertoire. These cookies surprise your taste buds with a deep, nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a slight crisp around the edges. They are simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delicious Brown Butter Sugar Cookies, you’ll use a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the nutty richness of the browned butter to the tender crumb provided by the flour and the perfect balance of sweetness from the sugars.
- Unsalted butter: Browned to deepen the flavor and add a warm, toasty aroma unique to this recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for that perfect chewy cookie.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise gently, giving a light texture without puffiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Delivers classic, sparkling sweetness and slight crispness to the cookie edges.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel richness that complements the brown butter.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, rounding out every bite of this sweet treat.
- Sprinkles (optional): For a fun, colorful touch to dress up your cookies.
How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by slicing the unsalted butter into pieces, then melt it gently in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Keep whisking occasionally as it melts to ensure even browning. The butter will shift from a golden liquid to a deep amber color, releasing a wonderful, nutty aroma. This crucial step elevates the flavor of your cookies and should take about 5 to 8 minutes. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
While the butter is cooling, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour. This simple mix is the foundation of your cookie’s texture and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Brown Butter
Add both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar into your cooled browned butter. Beat the mixture together just until combined. It might look a little grainy — that’s completely normal and just part of the magic happening before adding the egg.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, stir in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter won’t look perfectly smooth at this stage, but don’t worry—that slight texture is what will give your cookies their tender crumb and rich flavor.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies from becoming tough. The dough will be quite thick when it’s ready for shaping.
Step 6: Shape and Chill the Dough
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. If you want to add a pop of color and extra fun, dip the balls into sprinkles before placing them on a tray. Refrigerate the dough balls for 30 minutes; chilling is key to helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking and developing the best texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on baking sheets spaced well apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the centers still look soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool on the rack, giving you that irresistible combination of chewy centers and crisp edges.
How to Serve Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, consider garnishing with colorful sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added visual appeal. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a chocolatey twist that goes wonderfully with the nutty browned butter flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy indulgence. Serving alongside fresh fruit or lightly whipped cream can also create a delightful dessert plate for guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of vanilla or chocolate frosting. You can also stack the cookies in a jar layered with colorful sprinkles or small candies for a charming gift idea. Presentation is fun with these cookies because their golden brown hue sets a warm tone perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for about a week. To maintain their perfect texture, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies soft by absorbing excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking; place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Fully baked cookies also freeze well—wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost some of their fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This simple step refreshes their texture and brings back the lovely aroma of brown butter.
FAQs
What makes brown butter different from regular melted butter in cookies?
Brown butter is cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown, giving the butter a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to your cookies. This step enhances the overall taste far beyond what regular melted butter can offer.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt content precisely. Using salted butter may make the cookies slightly saltier than intended, but if that’s all you have, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape instead of spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, making better-tasting and chewier cookies.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can be folded into the dough after mixing in the flour. These add-ins make the cookies even more exciting and personalized.
How thick should the cookies be before baking?
Rolling the dough into roughly tablespoon-sized balls creates cookies that are thick enough to stay soft in the center and crisp on the edges. Aim for uniform size to ensure they bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe that elevates a classic cookie into a memorable treat. The warm, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with the sweet simplicity of sugar cookies creates a perfect harmony that’s irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with your baking skills, this recipe is a wonderful choice. Give it a try and watch these cookies become your new go-to comfort dessert!
Print
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies feature a rich, nutty flavor achieved by browning the butter before combining it with sugar and classic cookie ingredients. The dough is chilled for stability, resulting in perfectly soft, chewy cookies with lightly crisped edges. Optional sprinkles add a festive touch, making these treats ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups + 2 Tbsp (265g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decoration
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Slice the unsalted butter into pieces and place them in a light-colored skillet. Melt over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine Sugars with Browned Butter: Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the cooled browned butter. Beat until just combined; the mixture may appear slightly grainy, which is normal.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the sugar and butter mixture. Mix until fully combined; the batter will not look completely smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until no dry flour remains and the dough becomes thick. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form and Chill Dough: Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Optionally, dip the dough balls into sprinkles for decoration. Arrange the dough balls on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled dough balls onto baking sheets spaced apart. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cookies may appear soft when removed but will firm up upon cooling on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use a light-colored skillet for browning butter to better monitor the color change.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain cookie shape and texture.
- Cookies may seem soft right out of the oven but will firm as they cool.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optional sprinkles add festive decoration but can be omitted for a classic cookie.
