These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance crispy edges with a chewy center. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies bring the warm, nutty flavor of brown butter to your dessert table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of brown butter elevates these cookies above traditional sugar cookies.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies quickly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday dessert cravings.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast between crispy edges and a soft center that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Brown Butter Sugar Cookies, gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easy, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spilling.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking cookies to perfection.
Ingredients
These brown butter sugar cookies are nice and crispy on the edges with a chewy under-baked center.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted brown butter (room temperature)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– sparkling sugar (for topping)
How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the brown butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon juice. Beat this mixture for 3-4 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The dough should be wet and sticky at this point.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Dough
Spoon a generous 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the tops in sparkling sugar for an extra crunch.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, chill them for at least 2 hours before baking.
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheet
Place dough balls at least 2-3 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. They will spread during baking; typically, I recommend only placing six cookies on a half-sheet pan. Place any remaining dough back in the fridge while you bake this batch.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake your cookies on the center rack of the oven for about 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Brown Butter Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Brown butter sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them on their own or paired with other flavors, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for that classic combination. The milk complements the richness of the brown butter.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor, like vanilla or chocolate, for a delicious dessert.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the cookies before serving for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Served Warm
- Enjoy these cookies warm from the oven for the best chewy texture and flavor. The warmth enhances the brown butter taste.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. The flavors meld beautifully, making for a cozy treat.
How to Perfect Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Achieving the perfect brown butter sugar cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out just right.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading and allows flavors to meld, resulting in chewier cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when they are slightly underbaked for a softer center.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture variations.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Pairing side dishes with brown butter sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar or creamy brie for a savory contrast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that complements the cookie’s richness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Serve alongside homemade granola bars for a crunchy bite that pairs well with soft cookies.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake provides another layer of flavor that works well with these cookies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This warm beverage enhances the flavors in the brown butter sugar cookies beautifully.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Let guests create their own sundaes using scoops of ice cream and toppings, including crumbled cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making brown butter sugar cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much. Chilling helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking them for too long turns these treats hard instead of chewy. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are essential in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision to achieve perfect cookies.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Baking without parchment can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store brown butter sugar cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
- To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to three months.
Reheating Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5 minutes for a warm treat.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covered, for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making brown butter sugar cookies.
What makes brown butter sugar cookies different?
Brown butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of traditional sugar cookies, giving them depth and richness.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds fiber but may change the texture slightly.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for set edges and soft centers. They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to customize your brown butter sugar cookies for extra sweetness and texture.
How should I store leftover dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It can last up to a week or be frozen for later use.
Final Thoughts
These brown butter sugar cookies offer a delightful balance of crispy edges and chewy centers that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough for variations like chocolate chips or nuts, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to your taste!
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy edges with a chewy center for a delightful treat. The warm, nutty flavor of brown butter takes these cookies to the next level, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering or a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted brown butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Sparkling sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Cream the brown butter and sugars until smooth. Mix in eggs and extracts until fluffy.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange cookie balls on the baking sheet, spaced apart, and bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
