Chewy Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Make these delicious brown butter sugar cookies at home, with crisp edges, soft centers, and a sparkling sugar coating that makes them perfect for both kids and adults.

Sugar cookies are especially popular in the United States, particularly during the holiday season, where they are often considered one of the classic Christmas cookies.

These brown butter sugar cookies stand out thanks to one simple but flavorful ingredient: homemade brown butter. The butter is gently heated in a pan until it turns golden brown and develops a warm, toasted, nutty aroma.

Homemade brown butter is the secret to the rich flavor of these cookies. It blends beautifully with the sugar, vanilla, and simple pantry ingredients, creating cookies that are easy to make but taste extra special.

Craving cookies? You can also try classic chocolate chip cookies, strawberry cheesecake cookies, or cookies made without brown sugar.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour or T55 flour if available.
• Leavening agents: This recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda for the right texture.
• Salt: Fine salt or fleur de sel can be used to balance the sweetness.
• Brown butter: Use unsalted butter to make the brown butter, then let it cool to room temperature before using.
• Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cookies sweetness, softness, and flavor.
• Egg: Use one egg at room temperature so it blends smoothly into the dough.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the brown butter.

How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Here is a quick visual guide to the process. The full ingredient quantities and detailed instructions are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the room-temperature brown butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the sugars are well combined.
• Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until fully incorporated.
• Step 3: Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough comes together.

• Step 4: Shape the dough into balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
• Step 5: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 5 cm of space between each cookie because they will spread while baking.
• Step 6: Chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

• Step 7: While the cookies chill, preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still feel soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
• Step 8: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the parchment paper before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage and Freezing

At room temperature: Once completely cooled, store these brown butter sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing: You can freeze the cookies before or after baking. Freeze the dough balls in freezer bags, or store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

If You Like Cookie Recipes

I hope you enjoy this brown butter sugar cookie recipe. These cookies are simple, flavorful, and perfect when you want a homemade treat with a soft center, crisp edges, and a beautiful sugar-coated finish.