There’s something magical about Brown Butter Brownies: the way rich, nutty butter transforms classic chocolate into a crave-worthy treat is nothing short of revelatory. If you’ve only made traditional brownies before, prepare yourself for next-level decadence. The brown butter doesn’t just add flavor—it deepens the aroma, lending caramel notes that melt into every fudgy bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, these brownies strike the perfect balance between gooey, chocolatey comfort and a grown-up twist on a beloved dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, letting each carefully chosen ingredient shine. Every component has a job: some for structure, some for flavor, and some purely for that gorgeous, glossy finish you expect from the very best brownies.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the show—browned to nutty perfection to create extraordinary depth of flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps give that signature shiny top.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses richness for extra chewiness.
- Eggs: Provide structure, binding everything together and contributing to fudginess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the chocolate and buttery flavors, adding warmth and aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the brownies tender while giving them just enough body.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and gives the brownies their deep, dark color.
- Baking powder: Offers a little lift, ensuring the brownies aren’t too dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the best in both the brown butter and chocolate.
- Chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional): Melty surprises throughout every bite—totally worth it if you love extra chocolate.
How to Make Brown Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Before you even start browning your butter, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy lifting. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when you are. This extra step with the parchment means your Brown Butter Brownies will release perfectly, with crisp edges and neat squares every time.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Place your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, then watch and sniff as it starts to foam and sizzle. Stir frequently—after about 5 to 7 minutes, golden brown flecks will form on the pan’s bottom, and you’ll smell a sweet, nutty aroma (the kind that turns brownies from good to legendary). Take it off the heat right away, then let it cool slightly. This is where the magic happens: browned butter infuses the brownies with deep, caramelized flavor notes you won’t get from melted butter alone.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until they’re smooth and glossy. This step lays the foundation for fudgy, rich Brown Butter Brownies. Once the mixture is silky, slowly pour in the slightly cooled brown butter, whisking constantly to ensure it emulsifies right in, locking in that toasty, nutty flavor throughout the batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures each ingredient is evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with pockets of flour or clumps of cocoa powder later. Adding the dry mix in a separate bowl is a tiny step that pays off with the most consistent, craveable results.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—doing so will keep your brownies soft and tender instead of cakey. If you’re using chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in now with a few delicate stirs. That way, they stay intact and deliver melty chocolate in every decadent bite.
Step 6: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for the moment when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs—this is your cue for irresistibly fudgy Brown Butter Brownies. Let them cool completely in the pan; it’s tough to wait, but this is how you get clean slices and the perfect texture.
How to Serve Brown Butter Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your freshly baked Brown Butter Brownies with a simple shower of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold, salty and sweet, is pure bliss—turning each piece into an experience rather than just a dessert.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a café au lait, a glass of cold milk, or even a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a touch of tartness. If you’re serving a crowd, consider an assortment of fresh berries or a citrus salad to brighten up the rich, chocolatey flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Brown Butter Brownies are so gorgeous on their own, but you can elevate them for parties by stacking them in towers, slicing them into bite-sized pieces for snack platters, or even sandwiching them with a layer of ice cream for a next-level dessert bar. Presentation is half the fun, so let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any brownies left—which, let’s be honest, is unlikely—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their fudgy texture holds up beautifully, and the brown butter flavor only deepens as they sit.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, wrap individual Brown Butter Brownies tightly in plastic and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and taste remarkably fresh after a quick thaw—perfect for emergency chocolate cravings!
Reheating
A quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave will revive the gooeyness and release all those nutty brown butter aromas. If warming a whole pan, cover loosely with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore fresher-from-the-oven softness.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it will be slightly longer, so start checking at the 35-minute mark for the perfect fudgy center.
Do I have to use chocolate chips or chunks?
Not at all! The brownies stand on their own, but adding chunks or chips creates pockets of molten chocolate. If you prefer a more classic texture, go ahead and skip this step.
Why is my brown butter foaming so much?
When browning butter, the foaming comes from the water content evaporating and milk solids starting to toast. Stirring and watching closely will ensure you catch it at the deep golden brown stage without burning.
How can I make these extra chewy?
Slightly underbake the brownies and allow them to cool completely before cutting—this traps more moisture and delivers that classic, chewy fudge texture everyone loves in Brown Butter Brownies.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Brown butter works well with both, but starting with unsalted gives you more control over the final taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little more special than classic brownies, Brown Butter Brownies deliver on all fronts: flavor, texture, and a touch of nostalgia. Give these a try—you’ll fall in love with every gooey, nutty-scented square!
Print
Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of these Brown Butter Brownies. The nutty aroma of browned butter blends perfectly with dark chocolate for a fudgy and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add browned butter, whisking constantly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Finish the Batter: Fold in chopped chocolate if desired. Pour into pan and bake.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and cool fully.
- You can customize with chocolate chunks or omit for a classic texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
