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Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 61 reviews

These brown butter sugar cookies feature chewy centers with crispy edges and a rich, nutty flavor imparted by the browned butter. Perfectly balanced sweetness and a hint of vanilla make these classic American cookies a delightful treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 Cookies

Ingredients

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 Tbsp-size pieces (113g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (5g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (3g)
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
  • White sanding sugar or additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Continuously stir with a rubber spatula to ensure even cooking. After about 5–6 minutes, the butter will turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 minutes until solidified and cooled to room temperature.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, cream together for 2 minutes until the mixture lightens in color. Alternatively, whisk vigorously for 3 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract on medium speed until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom as needed to ensure even mixing.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough should be sticky.
  5. Scoop and Chill Dough: Using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, portion dough balls onto a parchment-lined dish, yielding about 12 balls. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor development.
  6. Prepare to Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll in Sugar and Bake: Remove chilled dough from fridge and roll each ball in sanding or granulated sugar until fully coated. Arrange on prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart, 6 per pan. Bake one pan at a time for 11-13 minutes until edges begin to brown, keeping the second pan chilled in the fridge during baking.
  8. Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Browning the butter beforehand intensifies the nutty flavor—prepare it a few hours in advance for convenience.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for proper texture and flavor development.
  • If you don’t have an electric mixer, vigorous whisking can be a good alternative for creaming.
  • Baking one pan at a time ensures even cooking since the dough is chilled before baking.
  • Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to better monitor color changes and prevent burning.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American