brown butter brownies

Brown Butter Brownies are an elevated take on classic brownies, adding a deep, nutty richness from browning the butter first. Here’s a recipe that gives you rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey brownies with crisp edges and a gooey center.

🍫 Brown Butter Brownies Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will foam, then turn golden and develop brown bits on the bottom (about 5–7 minutes).

• Once the butter smells nutty and aromatic, remove from heat.

2. Mix Cocoa Base

• Immediately stir in cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), both sugars, and salt.

• Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes (it will look gritty—that’s okay).

3. Add Vanilla & Eggs

• Stir in the vanilla extract.

• Add eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. The batter will become shiny and thick.

4. Incorporate Flour & Chocolate

• Stir in the flour just until combined—do not overmix.

• Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.

• Spread the batter evenly in the pan.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

6. Cool & Serve

• Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

• Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

🔥 Pro Tips

• For extra fudgy brownies, bake closer to 25 minutes.

• Chill the cooled brownies for cleaner cuts.

• Add a swirl of peanut butter, caramel, or a layer of Oreos for fun variations.