Brown Butter Brownies take classic fudgy brownies to the next level with a rich, nutty depth of flavor from browned butter. These decadent treats are ultra-chocolatey, perfectly chewy, and have a slight crisp on the edges while remaining gooey in the center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a chocolate craving, these brownies are guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Nutty Flavor: Brown butter adds a rich caramelized taste.
- Super Fudgy Texture: Dense, chewy, and packed with chocolate.
- Easy to Make: No mixer required—just a saucepan and a whisk.
- Restaurant-Quality Dessert: A gourmet twist on classic brownies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate (melted or chopped)
Directions

Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly.
- Brown It: Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Sugars & Butter: Pour the browned butter into a bowl and whisk in granulated and brown sugar. Let cool slightly.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in melted or chopped chocolate.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Slice: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or chunks for melty pockets.
- Salted Brownies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a denser texture.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
What does brown butter do for brownies?
Brown butter gives a deeper, nutty caramel-like flavor, making the brownies richer and more complex.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
How do I know when the butter is browned?
It will turn golden with small brown specks at the bottom and have a nutty aroma.
Can I make these brownies more cakey?
For a cakier texture, add an extra egg and reduce the butter slightly.
Why are my brownies dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness—take them out when they still have a slightly gooey center.
Can I add mix-ins like caramel or peanut butter?
Yes! Swirl caramel or peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, you can mix everything by hand with a whisk and spatula.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but dark chocolate will make them slightly less sweet.
How do I cut clean brownie squares?
Let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Brownies are the ultimate upgrade to traditional brownies, adding a rich, nutty depth of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving them warm with ice cream or enjoying them as a grab-and-go treat, these fudgy, indulgent brownies will quickly become a favorite. Try them today and experience the magic of brown butter!
PrintBrown Butter Brownies
Brown Butter Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a deep, nutty flavor from browned butter, adding a gourmet twist to a classic treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and sugar. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
- Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning — it should be golden with a toasty aroma.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg