If there’s one recipe that will win over every chocolate lover at first bite, it’s these Brown Butter Brownies. Imagine everything you love about a classic brownie—rich chocolate, chewy edges, fudgy centers—but with an irresistible depth from nutty, caramelized brown butter. Every bite is layered with flavor and texture, making these brownies a go-to treat for gatherings or a cozy night in. If you’re long overdue for some next-level chocolate bliss, you’re in for a treat with Brown Butter Brownies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Brown Butter Brownies is just how simple the ingredient list is—yet each component pulls its weight, lending unbeatable flavor, crackly tops, and perfectly gooey middles. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup): Browning the butter is the secret weapon here, lending a deep, nutty undertone you simply can’t get any other way.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Not just for sweetness—sugar also helps create those glossy, crackly tops everyone loves.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, giving your brownies structure and a fudgy chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash amps up all those chocolate notes, balancing and deepening the flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Pure chocolate flavor, delivering richness and a gorgeous dark color.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Keeping it minimal ensures the brownies stay dense, moist, and not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch goes a long way, sharpening the chocolate and brown butter undertones.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a little lift, so your brownies aren’t overly dense.
- Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Chunks of chocolate melt into pockets, delivering pure chocolate joy in every bite.
How to Make Brown Butter Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting later. This step is a lifesaver for neat slicing and effortless clean-up.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep a close eye and gently stir as it sizzles; within 5 to 7 minutes, the butter will foam, then transform into a golden hue with a nutty aroma. This is where the magic happens—don’t walk away! Once browned, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly, so it doesn’t scramble your eggs later. This browned butter is what elevates Brown Butter Brownies from good to downright unforgettable.
Step 3: Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla
With the butter cooled a bit, stir in the granulated sugar. Next, crack in both eggs and add the vanilla extract. Whisk (or beat) until the mixture is unified and glossy. This step helps dissolve the sugar, making for that classic crackly brownie shell.
Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
Place a sifter or fine mesh sieve over your bowl and sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—no overmixing! This careful hand ensures brownies that are dense and fudgy, never tough.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chunks
Fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. This gives those melty pools that absolutely make Brown Butter Brownies irresistible. Pour the batter into your pan, smoothing the top to the corners for even baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You want a toothpick inserted in the center to reveal a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to come out clean! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for best slicing and optimal fudgy texture.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brownies
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking; it makes the chocolate pop and gives you that artisan bakery vibe. Powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder are also simple yet elegant options.
Side Dishes
While Brown Butter Brownies are a knockout all by themselves, pairing them with cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is always a good idea. Fresh berries or even a spoonful of tart cherry preserves bring a bright, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can stack the brownies high on a pretty cake stand for a party, cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats, or serve them warm in bowls with scoops of gelato. Try sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two brownie squares for homemade ice cream brownie sandwiches—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and fudgy, especially if you resist cutting them until fully cool.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your brownies slightly warm and gooey, microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds. This refreshes their texture and brings those chocolate chunks back to the perfect melt.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but skip the added salt in the recipe or your Brown Butter Brownies may end up a bit too salty. Unsalted butter just gives you better control over the overall flavor balance.
How do I get the best fudgy texture?
The secret is twofold: don’t overmix after adding flour, and err on the side of slightly underbaking. Also, chilling the brownies before slicing sets the fudgy crumb and makes them easier to cut cleanly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or even swirls of peanut butter or caramel all make these Brown Butter Brownies extra special. Mix them in with the chocolate chips before baking.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is recommended for deep chocolate flavor and color. Dutch-process cocoa will work, but the flavor and rise will be a little different—still delicious though!
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for slightly set edges and a center that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, your brownies are perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hungry for the most unforgettable brownies you’ve ever tasted, Brown Butter Brownies are the answer. The brown butter adds a unique richness that will have everyone asking for your secret. Don’t just take my word for it—try them once, and you’ll want to make them on repeat. Happy baking!
Print
Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of these Brown Butter Brownies. A perfect balance of fudgy and chewy, these brownies are enhanced with the nutty aroma of brown butter and chunks of chocolate for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Brown Butter:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
Brownies:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir sugar into brown butter, then mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Add Chocolate: Fold in chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies and chill before slicing.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
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