Brown butter cookies are a unique and delicious twist on traditional cookies. With the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, these cookies take on a whole new depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you’re looking for a cookie to enjoy with a cup of coffee or something special to serve at a gathering, brown butter cookies are the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making perfect brown butter cookies, from browning the butter to baking the cookies to golden perfection.
What Makes Brown Butter Cookies Special?
Brown butter cookies are different from traditional cookies because of the addition of brown butter, which adds a nutty, caramelized flavor to the dough.
The butter is cooked until it turns golden brown, giving it a deep, rich flavor that enhances the cookies’ overall taste. These cookies are chewy, slightly crispy on the edges, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Making Brown Butter Cookies
To make the perfect brown butter cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (for browning)
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar – 1 cup (packed)
- Eggs – 2 large (room temperature)
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Chocolate chips or chunks – 1 cup (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Butter Cookies
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious brown butter cookies.
1. Brown the Butter
- Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the butter constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn. After a few minutes, the butter will begin to foam, and then it will start to turn golden brown and smell nutty. Once the butter has reached a golden-brown color and gives off a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat.
- Pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes. It’s important that the butter cools slightly before adding it to the dough, as this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Sugars and Brown Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy. The brown butter will add a rich, golden color to the dough.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
6. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
- For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and allows the flavors to meld together.
8. Scoop and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
9. Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Cookies
- Don’t skip browning the butter: The key to these cookies is the brown butter, which gives them their unique flavor. Take your time to properly brown the butter for the best results.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and improves the texture of the cookies.
- Use high-quality chocolate: If you’re adding chocolate chips, use a good-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting the butter cool enough: If the brown butter is too hot when mixed with the dough, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Let the butter cool slightly before using it.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Overbaking can result in dry cookies. Remove them from the oven once they are golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center.
Conclusion
Brown butter cookies are a delicious twist on the classic cookie, with the nutty, caramelized flavor of brown butter taking them to a new level of deliciousness. By following these simple steps, you can create cookies that are rich, flavorful, and perfectly chewy.
Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these brown butter cookies are sure to become a favorite.