Brown Butter Brookies Recipe
If you’re a dessert lover who can’t decide between chewy brownies and soft, cookie-like edges, then the Brown Butter Brookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This heavenly hybrid treats you to the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of brookies, perfect for any occasion where chocolate cravings strike. With its sumptuous texture and deep flavor, this recipe is an exciting way to upgrade a classic sweet treat into an unforgettable delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of gooey and tender textures. From the caramel notes of browned butter to the rich cocoa, every element combines to create magic in your baking dish.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Browning the butter brings out a deep, nutty flavor that sets this recipe apart.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Contributes moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
- Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives body to the brookies, balancing between cakey and chewy.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with a light lift in the texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking powder for proper rise and softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Provides that rich chocolate intensity.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Offer melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite irresistible.
- Chopped nuts (1 cup, optional): Add crunch and a toasty contrast if you like a little extra texture.
How to Make Brown Butter Brookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brookies come out cleanly and keep all those delicious edges intact.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This step is where the magic begins. Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently. Watch closely as it foams and shifts to a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma filling your kitchen. Remove from heat and let it cool just a bit before the next step.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and the warm browned butter until everything is blended into a silky, fragrant mixture—a sweet foundation for the brookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One by one, incorporate the eggs into the mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to brighten and unify the flavors.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This dry mix is what adds structure and rich chocolate flavor to the brookie batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Be careful to mix just until everything comes together; overmixing can affect the tender texture we’re aiming for.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts for those delightful melty hits and crunchy contrasts throughout the brookies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this ensures a fudgy yet cooked-through texture.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving Prep
Remove the brookies from the oven and cool them in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into generous squares that showcase the rich, marbled blend of brownie and cookie textures.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty touch, or sprinkle some flaky sea salt on each square to enhance the chocolate’s richness. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Brookies are a treat all on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns this dessert into a luxe experience. A hot cup of coffee or creamy milk also pairs beautifully with the deep, buttery chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve brookies warm and cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter. Layer them with ice cream and fruit in a parfait glass to create an irresistible Brown Butter Brookies Recipe-inspired trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully soft for up to three days, maintaining that perfect chewy and fudgy balance.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time for later indulgence, brookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring those brookies back to just-baked warmth, pop them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will help revive their gooey texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness precisely, salted butter can work in a pinch. Just reduce or omit the additional salt listed in the recipe.
What makes brookies different from regular brownies or cookies?
Brookies combine the chewy softness of brownies with the crispier edges and tender crumb of cookies, making them a delightful hybrid that brings the best of both worlds.
Is browning the butter necessary?
Browning the butter adds a uniquely nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates this recipe beyond ordinary brookies. It’s highly recommended for authentic taste.
Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap nuts with dried fruit, toffee bits, or extra chocolate chips depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
How can I tell when my brookies are perfectly baked?
The brookies are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but no wet batter. This ensures a fudgy yet fully cooked texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how to make the spectacular Brown Butter Brookies Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch. This luscious treat perfectly balances the richness of brownies with cookie-like charm, all enhanced by the irresistible flavor of browned butter. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for these brookies time and time again to share with friends, family, or keep all to yourself. Happy baking!
Print
Brown Butter Brookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
Brown Butter Brookies combine the best of brownies and cookies in one decadent treat. Featuring rich, nutty browned butter, a chocolatey base with a hint of cocoa powder, and melty chocolate chips, these brookies offer a perfect balance of chewy and fudgy textures. Optional chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, making this dessert an irresistible delight for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir frequently as it foams and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs later.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and browned butter. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows the brookies to set properly for easier slicing.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares. Serve and enjoy your rich and gooey brown butter brookies!
Notes
- Brown the butter carefully, as it can go from browned to burnt quickly. Stir constantly and watch for a nutty aroma and golden color.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain tender brookies.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
