Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and that magic intensifies when those cookies are Browned Butter Sugar Cookies. It all began one chilly afternoon when I decided to experiment with a family favorite. I had just discovered the wonders of browned butter, and I was eager to see how it would elevate my traditional sugar cookie recipe. As the butter melted in the pan, transforming from golden to deep amber, I knew I was onto something special. The rich, nutty fragrance filled my kitchen, promising a cookie that would be unlike any other.

After several batches and a few taste tests, I finally perfected these Browned Butter Sugar Cookies. They’re not just any cookies; they’re a delightful combination of crispy edges and a chewy center, with a depth of flavor that only browned butter can bring. I remember serving them at a family gathering, and they disappeared in no time. The joy in my family’s faces as they savored each bite made every minute spent in the kitchen worth it.

These cookies have become a staple in my home, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or a festive dessert for the holidays. I love the versatility of the Browned Butter Sugar Cookies; they can be dressed up with sprinkles for birthdays or enjoyed simply with a dusting of sugar. If you’ve never tried making cookies with browned butter, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into this recipe together and create something delicious.

What to Buy for Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

When it comes to baking these scrumptious Browned Butter Sugar Cookies, the ingredients are simple but essential. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The foundation is built on basic pantry staples, but it’s the combination that transforms them into something extraordinary. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

• 1 cup unsalted butter: The star of the show, this adds richness and flavor. Browning it brings out nutty notes that are essential to the cookie’s unique taste.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and helps create that lovely crisp edge.
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture, enhancing the chewy texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 egg yolk: For extra moisture and a tender crumb.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides leavening, giving the cookies a nice rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.

Putting Together Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

Making Browned Butter Sugar Cookies is an enjoyable process that fills your home with wonderful aromas. Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can bake your own batch of these delicious cookies.

1. Start by heating 1 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt fully and watch closely as it begins to bubble and froth, transforming into a golden brown color. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The aroma will be nutty and rich, signaling that your butter is browning perfectly. Once done, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a small bowl to cool to room temperature.
2. While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with ⅔ cup granulated sugar and ⅔ cup dark brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the mixture on high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined. You’ll notice a glossy texture and a delightful aroma.
4. Next, add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is mixed well.
5. In a separate bowl, take 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sift or whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined.
6. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
7. Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to portion out the cookie dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands, and then roll each ball in a small bowl filled with ¼ cup granulated sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a lovely, sweet exterior.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will keep them soft and chewy.
10. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to continue cooking slightly from the residual heat.

Customization Ideas

While the Browned Butter Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, there are many ways to customize them to your liking. Here are some fun ideas to inspire your baking adventures:

• Mix-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Frosting: Add a light icing on top of cooled cookies for a fun decorative touch. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk works wonderfully.
• Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, inviting flavor.
• Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles on top of the dough before baking for a festive look, especially during holidays.
• Sandwich Cookies: Try making sandwich cookies by adding a layer of frosting or cream cheese filling between two cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and results in a sturdier cookie.
• Rolled Cookies: Roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to create shapes for special occasions. Decorate with icing!

What Complements This Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

When it comes to enjoying Browned Butter Sugar Cookies, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more. Here are some delightful pairings:

• Milk: A classic pairing, nothing beats dipping these warm cookies in a cold glass of milk. It’s pure nostalgia!
• Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tea: A soothing cup of tea complements the rich flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Seasonal Decor: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter for gatherings or holidays to add a special touch to your presentation.
• Gift Giving: Package some cookies in a cute box or jar to share with friends and family as a sweet gift.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Browned Butter Sugar Cookies bring a unique twist to a classic treat, creating a delightful experience with every bite. With their rich, nutty flavor and perfect texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the rich flavors of these Browned Butter Sugar Cookies, where nutty browned butter meets sweet, chewy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delight that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Bake these today and experience cookie perfection!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 21 minutes mins

Total Time 41 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter
• ⅔ cup Granulated Sugar
• ⅔ cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 large Egg Yolk
• 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

 

• Start by heating 1 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt fully and watch closely as it begins to bubble and froth, transforming into a golden brown color. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The aroma will be nutty and rich, signaling that your butter is browning perfectly. Once done, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a small bowl to cool to room temperature.
• While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don't stick.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with ⅔ cup granulated sugar and ⅔ cup dark brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the mixture on high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined. You'll notice a glossy texture and a delightful aroma.
• Next, add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is mixed well.
• In a separate bowl, take 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sift or whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined.
• Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to portion out the cookie dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands, and then roll each ball in a small bowl filled with ¼ cup granulated sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a lovely, sweet exterior.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will keep them soft and chewy.
• Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to continue cooking slightly from the residual heat.

Notes

• Browning Butter: Watch closely as the butter browns; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Cooling Period: Allowing cookies to cool on the sheet helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keyword best sugar cookie recipe, browned butter cookies, chewy sugar cookies, Easy Dessert Recipe

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.