Okay, let’s dive into making the most amazing brown butter brownies you’ve ever tasted! Last year, my daughter had a bake sale at school, and I was determined to send her with something that would really stand out. We tried a few different recipes, but nothing was quite right until I stumbled upon the magic of browned butter.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as the butter browned was incredible—nutty, rich, and intoxicating. Then, when I mixed it into our brownie batter? Pure heaven. The brown butter brownies were a huge hit at the bake sale (they sold out within minutes!), and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. I love how fudgy and decadent these brown butter brownies are. They have that perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness that makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make.

Even on those crazy weeknights when I barely have time to think, I can whip up a batch of these brown butter brownies without any stress. My son is my toughest critic, and he gives these brown butter brownies two thumbs up every single time. Honestly, they’re so good, I sometimes hide a few for myself! If you’ve ever struggled with getting that perfect chewy texture in your brownies, brown butter brownies are the answer.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over time, learning a few tricks along the way. For example, don’t rush the browning process! It’s tempting to crank up the heat, but low and slow is the key to getting that deep, nutty flavor without burning the butter. Also, I always let the brown butter brownies cool completely before cutting them. It’s hard, I know, but it makes a huge difference in texture. Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does. I can’t wait for you to try these!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable treats:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for these incredible brown butter brownies. First, the butter! I always use unsalted butter because it gives me more control over the saltiness of the final product. Plus, when you’re browning butter, you really want to be able to taste the nutty flavors coming through without any interference. I generally buy butter in bulk when it’s on sale. It freezes really well, so I always have some on hand for baking emergencies. Butter is the foundation of our **brown butter brownies**, providing richness and that unique browned butter flavor.

For sugar, granulated sugar works best in this brown butter brownies recipe. It helps to create that crackly top that everyone loves. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the overall texture, giving these brownies that irresistible chewiness.

Now, the cocoa powder! I’ve experimented with different types, and I’ve found that a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder makes a huge difference. It gives the brown butter brownies a deep, rich chocolate flavor that complements the nutty browned butter perfectly. Using high-quality cocoa powder ensures a complex and satisfying chocolate experience that elevates the brownies.

My kids love the addition of chocolate chips in these brown butter brownies, but it’s totally optional. I usually use semi-sweet, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work well too. Just use whatever your family prefers! Chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer the sweetness of milk chocolate or the intensity of dark chocolate.

When it comes to flour, all-purpose is the way to go for these brown butter brownies. I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but if you do, let me know how it turns out! I buy my flour in large bags, but I always make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. And don’t forget the vanilla extract! A good quality vanilla extract really enhances the flavors of these brown butter brownies and adds a touch of warmth. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle depth that enhances the overall taste of the brownies. A little vanilla goes a long way in creating a more complex and delicious treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of perfect brown butter brownies:

Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning! This step is crucial for that distinct brown butter brownies flavor. This is where the magic happens! Don’t walk away from the stove; you want to catch the butter right as it turns that beautiful amber color.
Cool the butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the browned butter cool slightly, about 5 minutes. This prevents the sugar from melting when you add it. This helps ensure that the brown butter brownies don’t end up too greasy.

Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. The batter should be smooth and glossy. At this stage the texture of the brown butter brownies begins to form.
Add flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.

Fold in chocolate chips: If using, fold in the chocolate chips. I love adding chocolate chips to my brown butter brownies.
Pour into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. I use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker brownies, but a 9×13 inch pan works too if you prefer thinner ones. The baking pan is the first step in perfecting your brown butter brownies.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t overbake! Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. The texture is critical for delicious brown butter brownies.

Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! But letting them cool completely helps them set up properly and makes them easier to cut. This will make or break the chewiness in your **brown butter brownies**.
Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve.

Serving Ideas

Serving these brown butter brownies is almost as fun as making them! In my house, we love to keep things simple. A warm brownie straight from the pan is always a hit, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm, fudgy brownie and the cold, creamy ice cream is just heavenly.

Sometimes, I like to get a little fancier and drizzle the brown butter brownies with a homemade chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt. The salt really enhances the nutty, chocolatey flavors and adds a nice contrast. My family also enjoys these brown butter brownies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. It’s the perfect treat any time of day. My daughter loves to pack these brown butter brownies in her lunchbox for a special treat at school.

If you’re having a party or gathering, these brown butter brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. You can cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. The key to serving brown butter brownies is to just enjoy them! They’re meant to be a simple, delicious treat that brings people together.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often make these brown butter brownies a day or two in advance. The flavors actually deepen and develop over time, making them even more delicious. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brown butter brownies for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature. My freezer is a life saver when it comes to these brown butter brownies.

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would all be delicious in these brown butter brownies. The brown butter brownies can always be customized to taste.

Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with melted unsweetened chocolate. Use about 3 ounces of melted chocolate for every 3/4 cup of cocoa powder. However, the texture of the **brown butter brownies** may be slightly different.

Q: My brownies are always dry. What am I doing wrong?

The most common reason for dry brownies is overbaking. Be sure to check the brownies frequently while they’re baking and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Also, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dry brownies. Also, try making sure you’re accurately measuring flour for perfect brown butter brownies.

Q: Can I add nuts to these brownies?

Absolutely! Nuts would be a delicious addition to these brown butter brownies. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all work well. Just chop them up and fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chips (if using).

Conclusion

These brown butter brownies have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The nutty, rich flavor of the browned butter takes these brownies to a whole new level, and I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your house too.

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your brown butter brownies are a success:

Use a light-colored saucepan when browning the butter – This helps you see the color change more easily and prevents you from burning the butter.
Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.

Let the brownies cool completely before cutting – This helps them set up properly and makes them easier to cut.

My kids love these brown butter brownies with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, while my husband prefers them with a cup of coffee. No matter how you serve them, I’m sure they’ll be a hit.

Don’t be intimidated by the browned butter! It’s actually quite simple to do, and the flavor it adds to these brown butter brownies is truly worth it. I’d love to hear how these turn out for your family – drop me a comment! I always read every comment.

Happy cooking, and I hope these brown butter brownies become as beloved in your kitchen as they are in mine!

Amazing Brown Butter Brownies: 9 Easy Steps

Print Recipe

These brown butter brownies are rich, fudgy, and full of nutty flavor. Made in one bowl and ready in under an hour!

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 40

Yield: 9 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

Add vanilla extract and eggs. Mix well.
Gradually add flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Stir in chocolate chips, if using.

Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.