There’s nothing quite like a rich, fudgy brownie, and when you elevate it with brown butter, it takes indulgence to a whole new level! These brown butter brownies boast an incredibly fudgy texture and that iconic crackle top we all adore. Hello, fellow brownie enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share another delicious brownie recipe that will satisfy your chocolate cravings: brown butter brownies. They’re not only simple to prepare, but everyone loves a good brownie, making them perfect for sharing with friends!
WHAT ARE BROWN BUTTER BROWNIES?
Brown butter brownies are simply brownies made with brown butter instead of regular butter! This swap adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your classic brownies in a wonderfully subtle way. The brown butter enhances the chocolate, creating a perfect balance. While some brown butter desserts have a pronounced brown butter taste, here, it plays a supporting role, allowing the deeper chocolate flavor to shine. The result is a delightful depth of flavor that makes these homemade brownies even more irresistible!
HOW TO MAKE BROWN BUTTER BROWNIES
EQUIPMENT
- Stand Mixer
- 8 x 8-Inch Pan
- Parchment Paper Sheets
- Rubber Spatula
- Saucepan
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper on all sides, then set it aside.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir and scrape the bottom and sides of the pan with a silicone spatula every 10 to 15 seconds. Initially, the butter will melt and foam; then, as the foam bubbles shrink, it will start to release a warm, nutty aroma. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and small brown bits form at the bottom, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat once it reaches this color.
- Combine Cocoa and Vanilla: Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the brown butter, whisking until no lumps remain.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs and brown sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Fold Mixtures Together: Pour the butter mixture into the egg mixture and gently fold together using a rubber spatula.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt, folding until no streaks of flour remain. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in last.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark by inserting a knife into the center of the brownies. They’re done when the edges are set but the knife comes out with a bit of batter. Baking may take up to 35 minutes depending on your oven.
WHAT MAKES THESE BROWN BUTTER BROWNIES ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE
Just looking at a photo of these brownies should tell you how delicious they are, but let me break down exactly why they’re out of this world tasty:
- Brown Butter: The use of brown butter elevates these brownies, giving them a gourmet flavor that’s rich and nutty!
- Bloomed Cocoa Powder: By mixing the cocoa powder into the browned butter instead of adding it with the other dry ingredients, we intensify the chocolate flavor and achieve an incredible fudgy texture.
- High Sugar Content: The sugar keeps the brownies super soft in the center while creating that perfect crunchy edge, offering just the right amount of chewiness.
- Slightly Underbaked: Remember that baked goods continue to cook as they cool. By taking the brownies out of the oven when they’re slightly underbaked, you’ll prevent them from becoming overbaked as they set.
Happy baking, friends! Enjoy every delicious bite!
