Brown Butter Brownies
When it comes to desserts that truly satisfy, few things beat the rich, decadent goodness of brownies. These Brown Butter Brownies are a heavenly twist on a classic treat, taking the beloved chocolatey delight to new heights. Imagine biting into a fudge-like brownie that boasts an aromatic, nutty flavor from the brown butter, adding an unexpected depth that elevates every mouthful. There’s just something incredibly comforting about the smell of brownies baking, filling your home with warmth and familiarity.
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Creating these brownies is a breeze, perfect for those days when you crave a sweet indulgence without a fuss. With simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, treating your family, or simply enjoying them as a midnight snack, these brownies are guaranteed to please. Trust me, they’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: These brownies come together in just about an hour—30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking make them an easy choice.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, nutty essence of brown butter melds beautifully with dark chocolate, creating a dreamy texture and taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their glossy sheen and rich color make these brownies look as delightful as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dessert tables.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup Unsalted butter: This is the star of our dish! Using unsalted butter allows for better control over the sweetness, as you can adjust salt levels to your preference.
- 3 TBSP Dry milk powder: This ingredient adds creaminess and richness to the brownies without making them overly wet. If you don’t have it, you can omit it but the texture may vary slightly.
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted): Quality cocoa powder gives our brownies that luxurious chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality one for the best taste.
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour: This helps provide structure to the brownies, ensuring they don’t fall apart.
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch: Cornstarch contributes to a fudgy texture. You can substitute it with more all-purpose flour if needed.
- 1 tsp Salt: Salt enhances the flavors, especially in sweet treats like brownies.
- 1 cup White granulated sugar: This provides the necessary sweetness, balancing the deep chocolate notes.
- 3/4 cup Powdered sugar: The powdered sugar helps create a smooth, tender texture, giving the brownies that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 3 Large eggs (room temperature): Room temperature eggs mix more easily and will help create a more consistent batter.
- 1 Egg yolk (room temperature): Adding an extra yolk gives richness and moisture to the brownies.
- 2 TBSP Oil (canola or vegetable): The addition of oil keeps the brownies moist and soft, especially after baking.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds warmth and balances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For those moments of gooey chocolate bliss in every bite, don’t skimp on quality chocolate chips!
How to Make Brown Butter Brownies
- Brown the Butter: In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma—this typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons dry milk powder, 1 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Pour in the warm brown butter while mixing, allowing the heat to slightly ‘melt’ the sugars.
- Add Eggs: Once cool, add 3 large eggs and 1 egg yolk (both at room temperature) into the sugar and butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Incorporate 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Stir in the Dry Mix: Gradually sift the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your brownies fudgy!
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the brownie batter, smoothing the top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until edges are set and a toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Storing & Reheating
These brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer them to the fridge in a tightly sealed container, where they will last for about a week. You can also freeze the brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. The texture may become slightly firmer upon refrigeration, but a quick warm-up restores that fudgy joy!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- If your brownies come out too dry, you might have baked them too long. Keep an eye on them in the oven!
- Room temperature eggs are crucial; they help mix more thoroughly. Forget to take them out early? Just place them in warm water for a few minutes.
- Using good quality ingredients—like real vanilla extract and premium chocolate—can significantly enhance the depth of flavor.
- Experiment with add-ins! Nuts, caramel swirls, or even a dash of espresso powder can elevate the taste to new heights.
- For a fun twist, top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful sweet-salty contrast!
Brown Butter Brownies are a fantastic treat, encapsulating all the joy and satisfaction of a classic brownie experience with an enticing twist. Regardless of the occasion, they tick all the boxes: rich, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. I encourage you to play around with the recipe, try different supplements, or even have fun with toppings. Dive into these warm, chocolatey squares, and enjoy every single moment!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to prevent the brownies from becoming too salty.
What makes these brownies fudgy?
The combination of brown butter, the ratio of flour to fat, and the inclusion of powdered sugar all contribute to their fudgy texture. Avoid overmixing for best results!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs—this is your cue for that perfect fudgy texture!
Can I add other ingredients, like nuts or caramel?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts, chocolate chunks, or a swirl of caramel for an exciting twist on this already delicious recipe. Just be mindful of the balance between wet and dry ingredients when adding extras.
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📖 Recipe Card

Brown Butter Brownies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Brownies are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and chewy goodness. Made with simple ingredients like brown butter, cocoa, and chocolate chips, they come together quickly for a delicious dessert treat that satisfies any sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 3 TBSP Dry milk powder
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Powdered sugar
- 3 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 Egg yolk (room temperature)
- 2 TBSP Oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally until bubbly and foamy. Before it browns, add the milk powder and continue stirring until the mixture turns amber in color.
- Add the sifted cocoa powder and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the butter to a bowl and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease a 9X9 inch square pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then spray again.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and salt, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to combine the sugars, eggs, and egg yolk. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
- Remove the mixer and add in the cooled butter, oil, and vanilla. Use a spatula to mix, then add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 34-36 minutes, until the edges are set, but the center is slightly underbaked.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a cooling rack, then remove from the pan, slice into 16 squares.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts for added texture.
For a richer flavor, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
