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Brown Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

Delight in these rich and nutty Brown Butter Sugar Cookies, featuring the deep flavor of browned butter combined with classic sugar cookie sweetness. Topped with a creamy vanilla almond frosting, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy treat time.

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark or light brown sugar
  • 2 whole large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Make Brown Butter: Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan, then bring it to a gentle boil. Swirl frequently until it becomes foamy and turns an amber brown with golden brown bits on the bottom and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare Cookie Dough: Whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the cooled brown butter. Then add eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a cookie dough forms.
  3. Shape and Chill Dough: Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion 4-tablespoon balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes to chill.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange dough balls on the baking sheet with at least 1 1/2 inches space. Flatten each ball gently using the back of a spoon.
  5. Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Make Frosting: Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth and add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Frost Cookies: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Decorate with Christmas sprinkles if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains cookie shape during baking.
  • Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the cookie’s taste significantly.
  • The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk to suit your preference.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Keywords: brown butter sugar cookies, brown butter cookies, sugar cookies, holiday cookies, vanilla almond frosting, easy cookie recipe, soft cookies