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Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

brown butter sugar cookies - featured image

These brown butter sugar cookies combine nutty browned butter with classic sugar cookie sweetness for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. After about 5-7 minutes, the butter will foam, then start to brown and give off a nutty aroma. When you see golden brown flecks and smell a toasty aroma, remove from heat immediately.
  2. Cool the butter: Transfer browned butter to a heat-safe bowl and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  3. Combine sugars and browned butter: Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar to the butter. Mix until smooth and slightly glossy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
  7. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  8. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Shape cookies: Scoop dough with a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Place 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the baking sheet.
  10. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
  11. Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to brown butter to avoid burning. Chill dough for best texture and flavor. If dough is sticky, chill again before baking. Bake one sheet at a time on center rack for even baking. For vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax egg. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter sugar cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, brown butter baking, Christmas cookies, cookie recipe