Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Brown Butter Sugar Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. Crispy on the edges and chewy inside, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles and/or nonpareils for topping
- Brown the Butter: Slice the butter into pieces and place them into a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, whisking occasionally. It will foam, then start to brown with lightly browned specks and emit a nutty aroma after 5–8 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the cooled browned butter. Using a handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, starting on low speed and increasing to high speed, until the dough is thick and greasy but fully combined.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, dip the tops into sprinkles if desired, and arrange them tightly on a lined baking sheet or plates. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Bake the Cookies: Place chilled dough balls about 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12–13 minutes or until lightly browned on the sides.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using a light-colored skillet helps you easily see when the butter starts to brown.
- Chilling the dough before baking prevents spreading and helps maintain a chewy texture.
- You can customize these cookies with different toppings like sprinkles or nonpareils for added color and texture.
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: brown butter sugar cookies, chewy sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, brown butter recipes, easy cookies