Brown Butter Brownies take classic fudgy brownies to the next level with a rich, nutty depth of flavor from browned butter. These decadent treats are ultra-chocolatey, perfectly chewy, and have a slight crisp on the edges while remaining gooey in the center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a chocolate craving, these brownies are guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Nutty Flavor: Brown butter adds a rich caramelized taste.
- Super Fudgy Texture: Dense, chewy, and packed with chocolate.
- Easy to Make: No mixer required—just a saucepan and a whisk.
- Restaurant-Quality Dessert: A gourmet twist on classic brownies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate (melted or chopped)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly.
- Brown It: Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Sugars & Butter: Pour the browned butter into a bowl and whisk in granulated and brown sugar. Let cool slightly.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in melted or chopped chocolate.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or chunks for melty pockets.
- Salted Brownies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a denser texture.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
What does brown butter do for brownies?
Brown butter gives a deeper, nutty caramel-like flavor, making the brownies richer and more complex.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
How do I know when the butter is browned?
It will turn golden with small brown specks at the bottom and have a nutty aroma.
Can I make these brownies more cakey?
For a cakier texture, add an extra egg and reduce the butter slightly.
Why are my brownies dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness—take them out when they still have a slightly gooey center.
Can I add mix-ins like caramel or peanut butter?
Yes! Swirl caramel or peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, you can mix everything by hand with a whisk and spatula.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but dark chocolate will make them slightly less sweet.
How do I cut clean brownie squares?
Let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Brownies are the ultimate upgrade to traditional brownies, adding a rich, nutty depth of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving them warm with ice cream or enjoying them as a grab-and-go treat, these fudgy, indulgent brownies will quickly become a favorite. Try them today and experience the magic of brown butter!
Print
Brown Butter Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Brownies are ultra-rich, fudgy, and packed with deep, nutty brown butter flavor. The combination of buttery crisp edges and gooey centers makes them absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90 g) chocolate chips or chunks 🍫 (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until light and fluffy (about 1 minute).
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
3. Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
✔ Extra fudgy? Slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
✔ Want more crunch? Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
✔ For a salted caramel twist: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle sea salt on top!
✔ Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.