Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are the sweet, chewy treats that will elevate your baking game and impress everyone around you. With a nutty aroma from the brown butter and a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, tender center, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. Whether you’re looking to bring a bit of joy to your family, impress friends at a gathering, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-try. Let’s dive into why these cookies are worth your time and how to make them perfectly every time!
Why Brown Butter Sugar Cookies is Worth Your Time
There’s something magical about brown butter. It transforms simple ingredients into a beautifully rich flavor that’s hard to resist. The process of browning the butter might seem like an extra step, but it adds a depth of flavor that takes these sugar cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of warm cookies ready to share—or keep all to yourself.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start baking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup) – Cut into tablespoon pieces for easy browning.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups) – The base of your cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon) – For leavening and a perfect rise.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds a bit of fluffiness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1 3/4 cups) – Sweetness overload!
- Large eggs (2) – Gives moisture and structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon) – For that classic cookie flavor.
- Granulated sugar for rolling (1/2 cup) – Adds sweetness and a lovely texture.
Tools of the Trade
You’ll need a few kitchen essentials to whip up your Brown Butter Sugar Cookies:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Whisk – Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and incorporating eggs.
- Spatula – Great for folding in the flour and scraping the bowl.
- Baking sheet – Essential for baking your cookies.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their texture.
Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies: A Simple Method
Ready to get baking? Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch of Brown Butter Sugar Cookies.
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by placing your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt and then continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the warm brown butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to remain tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and ensures a chewy texture.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Roll the Cookies
Once your dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once cooled, enjoy your Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Substitutions by Category
If you’re missing an ingredient or looking to make adjustments, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Butter: You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor, or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work in place of all-purpose flour, although texture may vary.
- Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) can be a good egg replacement.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Baking can be tricky, but here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Dry cookies: This can happen if you overmix the dough or add too much flour. Measure carefully and mix just until combined.
- Flat cookies: If your cookies spread too much, your butter may have been too warm. Chill the dough longer to help maintain shape.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Brown Butter Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Popular Questions
Can I make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to three months and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. If needed, you can also add a tablespoon or two of flour to achieve a more manageable consistency.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to customize your cookies.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Serve & Enjoy
Your Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are now ready to be devoured! Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter combined with the sweet crunch from the sugar coating creates a truly delightful treat. Bake a batch today and experience the joy of homemade cookies!
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll not only create delicious Brown Butter Sugar Cookies but also make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Brown the Butter - In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, mix warm brown butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough - Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Preheat the Oven - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Roll the Cookies - Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, then roll in extra granulated sugar before placing on baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Enjoy! - Once cooled, enjoy with milk or your favorite beverage.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Experiment with different sugars for unique flavors, like brown sugar.
- Chill dough longer for chewier cookies.
