Brown Butter Sugar Cookies take the classic sugar cookie to a whole new level by incorporating the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter. This simple twist elevates the taste, adding a rich and aromatic complexity to each bite. These cookies are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
To make these delicious cookies, start by browning the butter. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter foams, continue cooking until it turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable. If necessary, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to roll.
Once the dough is ready, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in a bit of granulated sugar to give the cookies their signature sparkly, sweet exterior. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The result is a perfectly chewy, buttery sugar cookie with the delightful complexity of browned butter. Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are perfect for those who love the balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and they’ll make a wonderful addition to your dessert spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter browned
- 1 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
I’m not much of a baker, but these were super easy to make! My kids loved them, thanks!
Just okay for me. They looked better than they tasted. Maybe need more vanilla?
Tried these and they turned out too sweet for my taste. I could barely finish a cookie. 😩
These cookies are divine! I never knew brown butter could make such a difference. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
Isn’t baking soda and baking powder the same thing? Why use both?
No, they’re not the same! Baking soda needs an acid to activate, while baking powder has its own acid. Using both helps the cookies rise properly! 😊
I thought they were the same too! But now I get it, thanks! But why complicate things? Can’t we just pick one?
Can you use margarine instead of butter? I have some and really want to try these cookies!
I think margarine should work just fine, but it might change the flavor a bit. Give it a shot!
Margarine? Isn’t that just fake butter? I dunno, seems risky to me. Just use the real thing!
The recipe says to cool the butter but mine got too hard to mix. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you let it cool too much. It should be warm but not solid. Just try mixing it when it’s slightly warm next time!
Cookies are nice and all, but who has time to brown butter? I just used it straight from the fridge. LOL
Best sugar cookies I’ve ever made! I’m going to bake some more soon. 😄
I agree, these cookies are amazing! 😋 I made them for a party and everyone loved them!
Sugar cookies again? Aren’t they just basic? I prefer chocolate chip any day.
Yummy! The nutty flavor really makes these stand out. I love them! Plus, so easy! 😍