If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines a little salty, a little sweet, and a whole lot of irresistible texture, then you’ve found it with the Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful surprise—rich brown butter flavor as the base, studded with crunchy potato chips, pretzels, peanut butter M&M’s, and melty chocolate chips. It’s like your favorite salty snacks and sweets collided in the best way possible, creating cookies that everyone will be reaching for again and again.

Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these fantastic Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe, you’ll only need everyday pantry staples and a few fun mix-ins. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s delivering that toasty richness, balanced sweetness, or exciting crunch that makes this recipe so memorable.

Unsalted butter: Browning the butter locks in a deep, nutty flavor that’s the star of the cookie.
Cane sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a clean taste that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel that keep these cookies soft and chewy.
Large eggs: Bind the dough and add richness, helping create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste elegantly.
All-purpose flour: The structural base that holds everything together just right.
Salt: Heightens sweetness and balances the flavor, especially important with the salty mix-ins.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leaveners that ensure the cookies rise perfectly with just enough puff.
Crushed wavy potato chips: Provide a delightful salty crunch and a little surprise in every bite.
Crushed pretzels: Add a crisp texture and complement the potato chips beautifully.
Mini peanut butter M&M’s: Sweet, nutty, and colorful, these bring a playful punch.
Milk chocolate chips: Add soft, melty pockets of sweetness to contrast with the salty crunch.

How to Make Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’ll watch it go from foamy to golden with small brown specks appearing — that’s the magic happening. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes and fills your kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma that will get you so excited for what’s next. Let the butter cool slightly before moving on.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Butter

Once the butter is browned and cooled a bit, combine it with the cane sugar and packed brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir them together until you have a smooth, luscious base that’s ready for the eggs. This step helps meld the sugars into the flavorful butter for perfect cookie consistency.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, whisk the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture, richness, and a lovely fragrant lift that makes your cookies taste irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures your cookies bake evenly and have a perfect texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make your cookies dense rather than soft and chewy.

Step 6: Add Mix-Ins

This is the fun part where the “trash can” magic happens: fold in the crushed wavy potato chips, crushed pretzels, mini peanut butter M&M’s, and milk chocolate chips. Each bite will surprise you with a mix of salty crunch and candy sweetness.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Roll the dough into balls — about the size of a walnut — and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll see the edges turn golden while the centers stay soft.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them set without becoming too fragile. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, so they’re firm enough to enjoy without crumbling all over.

How to Serve Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are show-stopping on their own, you can elevate the presentation with a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. This extra touch enhances the salty-sweet interplay and looks incredibly inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

For a truly fun experience, serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee. The creamy milk or the robust coffee espresso balance the sweetness and make each bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by turning these cookies into ice cream sandwich bases, or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping. They also work brilliantly stacked in a clear jar or wrapped with twine as gifts—perfect for sharing the joy of the Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat anytime you need a little something sweet.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers and thawed at room temperature.

Reheating

If your cookies get a little stale, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive their soft, melty goodness. This simple trick brings back that freshly baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, but be mindful to reduce or skip the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt balance better, which is especially important with the salty snack mix-ins.

What if I don’t have wavy potato chips or pretzels?

No problem! You can substitute with any crunchy salted snacks like regular potato chips, crispy crackers, or even tortilla chips. The key is to add a salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet elements.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative that can brown similarly, like vegan butter or coconut oil. Use flax or chia eggs instead of chicken eggs. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different but still delicious.

How crunchy are these cookies?

They strike a perfect balance! The dough is soft and chewy thanks to the brown butter and sugars, while the potato chips, pretzels, and candy pieces add layers of crunchy, salty texture with every bite.

Why is it called a “Trash Can” cookie?

The nickname “trash can” refers to the mix of ‘leftover’ snack bits like chips, pretzels, and candies that you might toss into a batch of cookies, creating a wonderfully messy, no-rules treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Final Thoughts

The Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe is truly a dazzling treat that brings together unexpected textures and flavors in the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies promise smiles and satisfied cravings. So go ahead, give them a try—you’re in for a delightful surprise that will have you coming back for more!