Rich Brown Butter Brownies Recipe

Indulgent Rich Brown Butter Brownies Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Decadent chocolate dreams take a delightful turn with these rich brown butter brownies that promise pure indulgence.

Melting butter to a golden brown creates an intense nutty backdrop for deep chocolate flavors.

Professional bakers know this simple technique can elevate a classic dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a complex, caramelized richness that lingers on your palate.

The recipe combines straightforward ingredients with a clever technique that transforms standard brownies into something truly spectacular.

Dark chocolate and brown butter meld together, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and surprisingly gourmet.

Prepare to savor a brownie experience that redefines chocolate perfection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 16

Brown Butter Brownie Ingredient Checklist

For Fats:
  • Brown Butter: Adds deep, nutty flavor that elevates the entire brownie experience, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides luxurious chocolate pockets and melty texture, opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for rich depth.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender brownie structure, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa offers smoother taste.
  • Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances flavor profile.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, soft brownie texture without being too dense.
For Wet and Sweet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine for complex sweetness and moisture, brown sugar adds caramel undertones.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create rich, fudgy consistency, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds aromatic complexity, pure vanilla works best.

Tools That Help You Bake Brown Butter Brownies Right

  • Saucepan: Small pan for browning butter evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending butter, sugars, eggs, and creating fluffy texture.
  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect square pan for even brownie baking.
  • Parchment paper: Helps remove brownies easily and prevents sticking.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Crucial for smoothly incorporating dry ingredients.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding batter and spreading evenly in pan.
  • Toothpick: Needed to check brownies' doneness.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Brown Butter Brownies With Extra Depth

  • Craft Liquid Gold

Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat, twirling occasionally until it transforms into a golden, fragrant elixir with a rich nutty aroma. Watch carefully to avoid burning – this magical moment turns ordinary butter into a flavor powerhouse. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

  • Create Decadent Batter

Heat your oven to a toasty 350°F. Prepare a square baking pan with a light grease or parchment paper coating. Combine the browned butter with sugars, whisking until silky smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, blending until the mixture becomes light and airy. Gently fold in dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Optional: sprinkle in chocolate morsels for extra indulgence.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the luxurious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick reveals moist, fudgy crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely, letting the flavors settle and intensify before slicing into rich, decadent squares.

Flavor Boosts for Brown Butter Brownie Lovers

  • Toast butter slowly to develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire brownie experience. Keep an eye on the pan and swirl occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie. Gently fold dry ingredients until just combined for the most luxurious texture.
  • Replace wheat flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these brownies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Substitute brown butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative. Use plant-based chocolate chips to create a completely dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on richness.
  • Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, sea salt sprinkle, or swirls of caramel to personalize your brownies and create unique flavor combinations.

Serve These Brownies With Coffee or Ice Cream

  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chunks on top right after baking for a decadent, gooey finish that melts beautifully.
  • Nutty Crunch Adventure: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful textural contrast and rich, toasted flavor enhancement.
  • Ice Cream Paradise: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold creaminess melt against the rich, fudgy chocolate squares for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over cooled brownies, creating a luxurious sweet-and-rich topping that complements the brown butter's deep, nutty profile.

Keep Brown Butter Brownies Soft and Fudgy

  • Keep brownies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking. Refrigeration extends freshness up to 5 days, maintaining their rich, decadent texture.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen brownies stay delicious for 3 months – perfect for sudden chocolate cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Store brownies at cool room temperature in sealed containers for 2-3 days. Avoid humid areas to prevent moisture buildup that could compromise their incredible texture.
  • Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This method ensures neat, crisp edges without crumbling the brownie's delicate structure.
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Rich Brown Butter Brownies Recipe

Rich Brown Butter Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Brown butter brownies elevate classic chocolate desserts with rich, nutty caramel notes. Silky chocolate and deep butterscotch undertones create an irresistible experience you cannot resist savoring until the very last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder

Instructions

  1. Butter Transformation: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling periodically until it develops a golden-brown hue and releases a rich, nutty aroma (approximately 3-5 minutes). Exercise caution to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow gentle cooling.
  2. Batter Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking vessel with parchment lining or greasing. Vigorously combine brown butter, sugars, creating a smooth mixture. Incorporate eggs and vanilla, whisking until the texture becomes light and aerated. Sift dry ingredients (cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder) into the wet mixture, folding delicately to maintain a uniform consistency. Gently fold in chocolate chips if desired.
  3. Baking Process: Transfer batter into prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted reveals moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Allow complete cooling before slicing to achieve optimal texture and structure.

Notes

  • Watch the butter carefully during browning; color changes quickly from golden to burnt. Remove from heat the moment it turns amber-brown with a nutty aroma.
  • Whisk batter gently and avoid overmixing to maintain dense, fudgy brownie texture. Fold dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough brownies.
  • Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor. Consider toasting nuts like pecans or walnuts before adding for enhanced depth.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. Cutting too early can cause crumbly, messy edges and compromise the dense, moist interior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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