Chewy Sugar Cookies Made Perfect With Brown Butter

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you get chewy sugar cookies with brown butter?” you’re in for a treat. Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth that transforms classic sugar cookies into irresistible chewy delights. This recipe brings that rich flavor and a soft, chewy texture that will keep you reaching for one more cookie.

this Recipe

You’ll love how easy it is to incorporate browned butter into your dough and achieve perfect chewy sugar cookies every time. Whether for holiday baking or an everyday sweet craving, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brown butter adds a rich, nutty caramel flavor that enhances classic sugar cookies.
• The cookies come out soft with chewy centers and slightly crisp edges for perfect texture.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
• Great for decorating or enjoying plain, perfect for any occasion.
• The recipe yields a batch that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients

Gather these pantry staples to make your chewy sugar cookies with brown butter come to life.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (to be browned)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra softness)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie

How to Make Can You Get Chewy Sugar Cookies With Brown Butter?

1. Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Swirl frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
4. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t rush browning the butter; watch closely to avoid burning and ensure rich flavor.
• Chilling the dough is key to achieving chewy texture and preventing excessive spreading.
• Use cornstarch for added softness; it’s a baker’s secret for tender cookies.
• Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
• Let cookies cool properly; they firm up as they cool, locking in chewiness.

Storage and Reheating

Store your chewy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes the chewy texture and enhances the brown butter aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does brown butter make cookies chewier?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and can contribute to a softer, chewier texture because of its slightly different fat composition after browning. Combined with chilling the dough and adding cornstarch, it helps create those chewy sugar cookies you crave.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter might make the cookies a bit saltier than desired, but you can reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe if needed.

Why do I add cornstarch to sugar cookies?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender crumb by interfering with gluten formation. This ingredient is often included to give cookies a delicate texture that’s soft and chewy rather than cakey or tough.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is recommended because it solidifies the fats and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Skipping this step may cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their chewy texture.