We’ve always been captivated by the rich, nutty allure of brown butter cookies, a treat that’s elevated simple baking to an art form. Originating from the innovative Brown Butter Cookie Company, this recipe brings their signature caramelized flavors right into our kitchens, perfect for cozy gatherings or indulgent solo moments.
What makes it special is how easy it is to whip up, yet it packs a punch of depth that keeps us coming back for more. Let’s explore this timeless favorite together and add a touch of magic to our baking routine.
Ingredients
In our Brown Butter Cookie Company recipe, we start by assembling high-quality ingredients that deliver the signature nutty, caramelized flavors. These components, prepared in order of use, ensure a seamless baking process.
Dry Ingredients
- Flour: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted to remove lumps and promote even mixing.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for leavening and achieving the perfect cookie rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon kosher salt, to enhance the nutty undertones of the brown butter.
Wet Ingredients
- Butter: 1 cup unsalted butter, browned until golden and fragrant to create that irresistible rich base—we recommend using a light-colored pan to monitor the color accurately.
- Brown sugar: ¾ cup packed, for its deep molasses notes that complement the browned butter.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, to add crisp edges and balance sweetness.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature, beaten lightly to incorporate air and ensure a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla, for a warm, aromatic finish that ties the flavors together.
Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup semisweet, optional for a gooey contrast, added just before baking to maintain their form.
With these ingredients measured precisely, we’re set to move into the preparation steps, building on the nutty allure we’ve highlighted earlier.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through crafting our signature brown butter cookies, building on the high-quality ingredients we’ve prepared. We’ll ensure each step delivers that irresistible nutty, caramelized flavor for a truly decadent treat.
Prepare the Brown Butter
First, we place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. We stir constantly with a heatproof spatula until the butter melts, foams, and turns a golden brown color—about 5-7 minutes—watching for the nutty aroma and small brown bits to form. Once ready, we immediately remove it from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool for 10 minutes, preventing it from burning and preserving its rich, toasted essence.
Mix the Dough
With the brown butter cooled, we combine it in a large mixing bowl with 1 cup packed brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. We use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat until creamy and light—about 2 minutes—then add 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated for a smooth, flavorful base. Next, we whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring by hand until just combined. For added texture, we fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips if desired, creating a dough that’s soft yet cohesive with hints of caramelized warmth.
Shape the Cookies
We scoop the dough using a tablespoon measure to form 1 ½-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading. We gently press each ball with our fingers for a slightly flattened shape, ensuring the cookies bake uniformly and develop those signature crisp edges with a chewy center, ready for the oven’s magic.
Bake the Cookies
We preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the shaped cookies for 10-12 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even heat distribution. We watch for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft, signaling they’re perfectly baked with that nutty butter flavor intensified.
Cool the Cookies
We remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest on it for 5 minutes to set. Then, we transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 15 minutes, allowing the textures to firm up while the flavors meld, resulting in cookies that are irresistibly crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Brown Butter Cookie Company recipe to life, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure precision and ease throughout the preparation and baking process. These items help us achieve the signature nutty, caramelized flavors and perfect textures without any hitches.
Basic Kitchen Essentials
We start with the core tools for measuring and mixing:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and vanilla extract are crucial for the dough’s consistency.
- Mixing bowls: A set of medium and large bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients, allowing us to blend the brown butter with sugars and eggs smoothly.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For beating the mixture to incorporate air, resulting in tender cookies with that irresistible crisp exterior and soft center.
Cooking and Baking Gear
Next, we move to the tools that handle the heat and shaping:
- Saucepan or skillet: Essential for melting and browning the unsalted butter to its golden, nutty perfection—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper: A sturdy sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and ensures even baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Spatula or cookie scoop: Use a scoop to form uniform dough balls, and a spatula for flattening them slightly, promoting consistent golden edges.
Finishing Tools
Finally, for cooling and storage:
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, helping them set without becoming soggy.
- Oven thermometer: Optional but recommended for verifying the oven temperature, as precise heat is key to achieving the caramelized flavors in our Brown Butter Cookie Company treats.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we streamline the process and focus on creating delicious, bakery-quality cookies every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our brown butter cookie recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare the dough in advance to save time and ensure fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. Below, we outline the steps to make ahead, store, and bake later while preserving that signature nutty, caramelized flavor.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
Follow the dough-mixing steps from our earlier instructions, stopping after incorporating the dry ingredients and optional chocolate chips. This ensures the dough remains at its peak for storage.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into balls as directed, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Chilling enhances the flavors, allowing the brown butter’s richness to deepen.
- Freeze for longer storage: For extended make-ahead options, arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and maintains texture for up to 3 months.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to avoiding sogginess and preserving the cookies’ crisp edges and tender centers. We recommend the following guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep in an airtight container to retain moisture and prevent odor absorption. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Label the container with the date and avoid overcrowding to prevent flattening. |
Thawing and Baking
When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough properly to achieve those golden, irresistible results.
- From the refrigerator: Remove the dough balls and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. Bake as per the original instructions at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- From the freezer: Transfer the frozen dough balls to a baking sheet and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker prep, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking and that nutty aroma fills your kitchen.
By following these steps, we maximize convenience without compromising the decadent, caramelized taste that makes our Brown Butter Cookie Company recipe a favorite.
Conclusion
We’ve shared our favorite Brown Butter Cookie Company recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds with its nutty charm. It’s a simple way to bring warmth to any occasion, whether you’re baking for friends or a quiet night in.
Trust us, once you’ve tried these cookies, they’ll become a go-to treat in your kitchen. Experiment with variations to make them your own, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness every time.
Remember, great baking starts with quality ingredients and a bit of patience—happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are brown butter cookies?
Brown butter cookies are a delicious treat known for their rich, nutty flavor from caramelized butter. They offer a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers, making them ideal for gatherings or personal indulgence. This recipe from the Brown Butter Cookie Company uses simple ingredients to create an easy-to-bake favorite that elevates classic cookies with a gourmet twist.
How do you make brown butter for cookies?
To make brown butter, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Once ready, let it cool slightly before incorporating it into your cookie dough for that signature caramelized flavor.
What ingredients are needed for brown butter cookies?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, unsalted butter (for browning), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Optional semisweet chocolate chips add texture. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the nutty, caramelized taste that makes these cookies special—gather everything for a straightforward bake.
What tools are required to bake brown butter cookies?
Essential tools include measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer, a saucepan for browning butter, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a spatula or cookie scoop, and a wire rack for cooling. An oven thermometer helps maintain precise 350°F baking temperature for consistent results.
Can I prepare brown butter cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance flavors or freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for busy schedules. When ready, thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for fresh, decadent cookies.
How should I store brown butter cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them crisp on the edges and tender inside. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature. Proper storage maintains their caramelized taste and texture.
Why are brown butter cookies so popular?
Brown butter cookies are popular for their unique nutty, caramelized flavor that adds depth to traditional recipes. They’re easy to make, versatile for events or snacking, and use simple ingredients for impressive results. This recipe’s flexibility, like make-ahead options, makes it a favorite among home bakers and cookie lovers.