If you’re searching for your next great baking adventure, Brown Butter Brownies are about to steal your heart and your tastebuds. These are no ordinary brownies—they deliver an irresistible fudgy texture with a deep, nutty undertone that comes from lovingly browned butter. Each bite is a decadent collision of rich chocolate and caramelized butter, creating a homemade treat that tastes far more complex than the simple steps suggest. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying brownies from scratch for the first time, these Brown Butter Brownies will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Brown Butter Brownies is how a handful of pantry staples, when combined with a clever browning step, transform into an unforgettable treat. Each ingredient has a job to do, whether it’s providing structure, flavor, or that signature fudginess we’re after.
- Unsalted butter (10 tbsp): This is the backbone of the brownies; browning it unlocks a toasty, nutty flavor you can’t get any other way.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Not only delivers sweetness, but helps create those classic crackly brownie tops.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): For deep, bold chocolate flavor—it partners perfectly with the brown butter.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Amplifies every chocolatey note and balances out the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances both the chocolate and brown butter flavors with an aromatic finish.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and delivering a tender, fudgy crumb.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Just enough for structure, while keeping brownies rich and gooey.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (1/2 cup, optional): Stir these in for pools of melted chocolate in every bite—truly decadent!
How to Make Brown Butter Brownies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so brownies can be lifted out easily later. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it melts and listen for the gentle sizzle—after about 5 to 7 minutes, the butter will start turning golden, developing a nutty fragrance. Once you see brown specks forming at the bottom and smell that irresistible aroma, immediately take the pot off the heat to prevent burning. Brown butter is the magical secret to unforgettable Brown Butter Brownies.
Step 2: Mix in Sugar, Cocoa, and Salt
Right away, while the browned butter is still hot, whisk in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. This step melts the sugar slightly, helping create that signature glossy, crinkly brownie top, while blending the cocoa powder thoroughly for deep chocolate flavor. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes before moving on.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Once the mixture has cooled a bit (you don’t want to scramble the eggs!), stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process aerates the batter just enough for a dense-yet-tender texture, helping your Brown Butter Brownies set up perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Chocolate Chips
Now gently fold in the all-purpose flour, mixing only until you see no more dry streaks—overmixing leads to tough brownies. At this stage, you can also add the chocolate chips or chunks if using; fold them in for irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate throughout your brownies.
Step 5: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Spoon the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (don’t wait for it to come out clean). This ensures ultimate fudginess—a must for perfect Brown Butter Brownies! Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting and slicing.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brownies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch as lovely as the brownies themselves, try scattering a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while they’re still warm—it brings out the nutty and chocolate flavors even more. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar never hurts either, if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Pair your Brown Butter Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some fresh berries for contrast. They’re also a knockout with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk, making these brownies a perfect treat at any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by cutting brownies into bite-sized squares for party platters, stacking them with sweet cream in parfait cups, or even turning them into brownie sundaes with ice cream and caramel sauce. Brown Butter Brownies are deliciously versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment and impress your friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your brownies at their very best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days, but let’s be honest: they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Brown Butter Brownies freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, cut them into squares, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever your chocolate craving strikes.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, simply microwave an individual square for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get delightfully melty again and your kitchen will be filled with that wonderful aroma as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
What makes Brown Butter Brownies taste different from regular brownies?
The browned butter transforms the flavor profile by adding deep, nutty, and slightly caramelized notes, elevating these brownies above the standard chocolate treat. You truly have to taste the difference to believe it!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just reduce the added salt in the recipe or skip it entirely to keep your Brown Butter Brownies perfectly balanced.
Why should I wait for the batter to cool before adding eggs?
This small pause prevents the eggs from scrambling in the warm mixture, ensuring a smooth, silky batter and tender brownies every time.
How do I know when brownies are done baking?
The toothpick test works wonders: look for a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick rather than a totally clean one. This ensures your brownies stay fudgy, not dry.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of nut butter make fantastic additions for extra crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to make these Brown Butter Brownies your own.
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Brown Butter Brownies is a celebration of simple ingredients working together in extraordinary ways. Once you try that first chewy, chocolatey square, you’ll see why this recipe is a favorite worth sharing. Grab your saucepan and treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Brownies. With a fudgy texture and a hint of vanilla, these homemade brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
- Mix dry ingredients: Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Let cool slightly.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, incorporating well.
- Finish the batter: Gently fold in flour and chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until set with a slightly moist center.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to these brownies.
- Do not overbake for a fudgy texture.
- Enhance with sea salt or a chocolate drizzle for extra decadence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
