If you’re looking for a sugar cookie recipe that’s a little bit extra, these Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are the answer! Made from scratch with brown butter, these cookies have a deep, rich flavor that’s far beyond your average sugar cookie. Crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and just the right amount of sweetness—these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
The magic of these cookies lies in the brown butter. The nutty, caramelized flavor adds a depth that makes each bite irresistible. They’re the perfect balance of soft and crunchy, and they’ll fill your kitchen with the most incredible smell as they bake. Plus, they’re easy to make and ideal for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving something homemade.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Full measurements are listed below.
- Unsalted butter (for browning)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Optional: coarse sugar for rolling
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the browned butter. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help with shaping and prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the dough balls in coarse sugar for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden, and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be patient when browning the butter—it can burn quickly if you’re not careful. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a golden brown.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so don’t skip this step!
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a fun variation.
- Use coconut sugar or a mix of white and brown sugars for a slightly different taste and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or milk. They’re also a great addition to a cookie platter for the holidays, or to bring along to a party.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it soften slightly before rolling it into balls.
Why does the butter need to be browned?
Brown butter adds a deeper, nutty flavor to the cookies that regular butter can’t match. It’s the secret ingredient that takes these sugar cookies to the next level.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you do, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to compensate.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are a delicious twist on a classic treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of rich brown butter and sweet sugar makes these cookies a must-try. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
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Brown Butter Sugar Cookies – Delicious Recipe from Scratch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with nutty caramel-like flavor from the browned butter. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness, these cookies are a must-try for cookie lovers and are ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Remove from heat, pour into a heatproof bowl, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form the Cookies:
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive twist, roll the cookies in colored sugar or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg