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brown butter brownies

Brown Butter Brownies

Sophie
Try these extraordinary brown butter brownies that guarantee a jubilant dessert experience. Simple, sweet, and absolutely delightful!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 brownies
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Butter (¾ cup or 170g unsalted butter)

  • Brown butter is the star of this recipe. Browning the butter over medium heat enhances the flavor giving the brownies a nutty, caramel-like richness.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.

Sugar

  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar – Helps create a crackly top by dissolving into the warm butter.
  • ½ cup 100g light brown sugar – Adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor.

Eggs (3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk)

  • Eggs provide structure and help achieve the fudgy texture.
  • An extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness.

Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)

  • Enhances the chocolate flavor and rounds out the buttery aroma.

Cocoa Powder (½ cup or 50g unsweetened cocoa powder)

  • A key ingredient for deep chocolate flavor.
  • Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Espresso Powder (1 teaspoon, optional)

  • Boosts the intensity of the chocolate without making the brownies taste like coffee.
  • Can be omitted but highly recommended for extra depth.

Flour (¾ cup or 95g all-purpose flour)

  • Just enough to hold everything together while keeping the brownies dense and fudgy.
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent a cakier texture.

Salt (½ teaspoon)

  • Balances the sweetness and enhances the rich cocoa notes.

Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate (½ cup or 85g)

  • Melted into the batter for extra richness and chocolate intensity.
  • Can also be folded in for gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.

Optional Toppings & Mix-Ins

  • Flaky sea salt – Sprinkled on top for contrast.
  • Chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or almonds – Adds a crunchy texture.
  • Caramel drizzle or peanut butter swirls – For an extra indulgent twist.

Equipment Needed

  • Small saucepan – To brown the butter.
  • Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
  • Whisk and spatula – For mixing.
  • 8 x8-inch baking pan – To bake the brownies.
  • Parchment paper – For easy removal.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  • Melt the butter: Place your unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Brown the butter: Stir the butter occasionally as it melts. After a couple of minutes, it will start to foam and sizzle. Keep stirring until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. You’ll see brown bits forming at the bottom of the pan. This is the milk solids caramelizing.
  • Remove from heat: As soon as the butter reaches a rich golden brown color, take it off the heat to prevent burning. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • Combine sugars and eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add eggs: Add in the 3 eggs plus the extra egg yolk, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps the brownies achieve a dense and fudgy texture.
  • Add the browned butter: Once the butter has cooled slightly, pour it into the sugar and egg mixture. Whisk until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

  • Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
  • Fold in the dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula or spoon to combine the ingredients without overworking the batter. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

  • Stir in chocolate chips: If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, fold them into the batter. This will add extra chocolate pockets in the final brownies.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

  • Prepare the pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Pour in the batter: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The brownies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  • Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
  • Cut into squares: Once cool, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper, then cut into 16 squares or 9 larger pieces, depending on your preference.
  • Optional toppings: If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each brownie for an extra burst of flavor.

Video

Notes

Recipe Details:
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Servings: 12 brownies (depending on size)
  • Calories: 300-350 calories per serving (based on standard serving size)
 
Keyword brown butter brownies