Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. The rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter elevates these cookies into a sweet treat that is hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for yourself, these cookies offer warmth and comfort in every bite. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create these delicious cookies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a regular day, these cookies fit in perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their unique flavor makes them a favorite at gatherings and parties.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The brown butter adds an extraordinary depth of flavor that regular cookies lack.
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies stand out because of the nutty aroma and taste from the browning process, which brings a delightful complexity to a simple cookie.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Cookies:1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces (113g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (56g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (5g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3g)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)
- For Rolling:White sanding sugar or additional granulated sugar
How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars and Egg: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in white sanding sugar or granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Brown Butter Sugar Cookies warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy treat. To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet, comforting treat. The rich flavor from the brown butter combined with simple ingredients makes this recipe a winner. If you give it a try, please leave a comment and a star rating! We would love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures on social media—what variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter instead?
Using salted butter will alter the taste slightly, but it can still work. Just adjust the salt in the recipe.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check for one that works well in baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter is too warm or the dough hasn’t chilled. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and consider chilling the dough before baking.
Print
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a rich, nutty flavor from brown butter, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces (113g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (56g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (5g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (3g)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)
- White sanding sugar or additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until mixed, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and roll in sanding sugar or granulated sugar to coat.
- Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Optional add-ins include chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg