Two things I adore in this world are chocolate and brown butter. Combining them brings about pure bliss, and that’s exactly what you get with these brown butter brownies. They’re rich, fudgy, and have that deep, nutty flavor from the brown butter that makes them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re straightforward to whip up, making them perfect for anything from a cozy night in to a potluck.
These brownies deliver a delightful texture, striking the right balance between chewy and gooey. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or looking to impress at a gathering, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Why you’ll love brown butter brownies
- Quick and simple preparation
- Rich, nutty flavor from brown butter
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights
- Versatile (great warm or at room temperature)
What ingredients do I need for brown butter brownies?
- 10 tablespoons (150g) unsalted butter, cut into 10 slices
- 6 ounces (170g) chopped semi-sweet chocolate, good quality
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (optional – for topping)
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- You can use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- To enhance flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
How do I make brown butter brownies step-by-step?
These enticing brownies come together in just a few steps. Here’s how:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently until it turns light golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. It will foam and then become clear.
- Quickly remove from heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine both sugars and eggs. Whisk for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and not grainy.
- Whisk in the vanilla, cocoa, and slightly cooled brown butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until combined.
- Add flour, salt, and optional chocolate chips, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake in a preheated oven until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be matte and not shiny.
- Allow cooling completely in the pan, then use the parchment to remove and slice into 16 squares. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them, so they remain moist as they cool.
Visual doneness cues: The top should look firm and no longer shiny.
How should I serve it?
These brownies shine on their own; however, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. They can also be garnished with fresh berries or nuts for added texture.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely! Brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze well for about a month. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that warm, gooey texture.
How do I fix common issues?
- Dry brownies: Make sure not to overbake them. If they feel dry, underbake slightly next time for that fudgy texture.
- Bland taste: Ensure you’re using high-quality chocolate and cocoa, which can significantly enhance flavor.
- Soggy center: You might have added too many mix-ins or need to extend baking time slightly.
What variations can I try?
Consider adding a handful of nuts for crunch or swirl in some peanut butter or caramel before baking for a creative twist. If you love a splash of flavor, try infusing some espresso or almond extract into the batter.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can mix and match the types of chocolate to suit your preferences. Dark chocolate can add a lovely depth of flavor.
What should I do if my brownies don’t set properly?
If they’re still undercooked after the suggested baking time, check with a skewer and return them to the oven for a few more minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
While they’re delicious as is, a simple ganache or chocolate frosting could make them extra decadent if you desire!
Brown Butter Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently until it turns light golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Quickly remove from heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine both sugars and eggs. Whisk for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and not grainy.
- Whisk in the vanilla, cocoa, and slightly cooled brown butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until combined.
- Add flour, salt, and optional chocolate chips, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake in a preheated oven until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be matte and not shiny.
- Allow cooling completely in the pan, then use the parchment to remove and slice into 16 squares.
- Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.