Brown butter brownies are a delicious twist on the classic brownie recipe. The magic of browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these treats to a whole new level. With a great combination of sweetness and chocolate, these brownies are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making brown butter brownies is worth it for several reasons. First, the process of browning the butter adds depth to the flavor, making these brownies incredibly tasty. Second, they are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. Lastly, they satisfy any chocolate craving, leaving you and your loved ones with a lovely treat to enjoy.
How to Make Brown Butter Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or bittersweet, optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Directions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or grease it. In a bowl, mix the granulated and brown sugars with the warm brown butter, then beat in the eggs and stir in the vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brownies
Brown butter brownies are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a nice touch too, making these brownies even more tempting.
How to Store Brown Butter Brownies
To store your brownies, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Brown Butter Brownies
- Watch the butter closely while browning. It can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Always use high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with your brownies! You can add other mix-ins such as dried fruit, coconut, or even swap the nuts for a crunchy texture. If you want a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts entirely.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the brownies; they are done when it comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan and extend the baking time slightly, checking for doneness as usual.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful brown butter brownies!
