Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
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The brown butter adds a warm, nutty depth that makes the chocolate flavor even richer.
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The texture is perfectly balanced—fudgy in the center with a delicate, shiny crust on top.
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Simple pantry ingredients come together for a gourmet result.
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They slice beautifully, making them ideal for gatherings or gifting.
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The recipe is straightforward and reliable, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons dry milk powder
3.5 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
4 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set aside.
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In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the dry milk powder.
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Pour the hot brown butter into a heatproof bowl. Add the chopped dark chocolate and cocoa powder, stirring until completely smooth and melted.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the batter just until incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips if using.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
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Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing. Cooling helps set the fudgy texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 16 brownies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Swirl in peanut butter or caramel before baking for a marbled effect.
Use espresso powder in the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Substitute part of the dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To reheat, microwave a brownie for 10 to 15 seconds to restore its soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
What makes brown butter different from regular melted butter?
Brown butter is cooked until the milk solids toast, creating a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to baked goods.
Can I skip the dry milk powder?
Dry milk powder enhances the toasty notes of the brown butter, but the recipe will still work without it.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter.
Why do my brownies not have a shiny top?
A shiny crust forms when the sugar is well dissolved into the eggs. Whisking thoroughly helps create that signature finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time as needed and check for doneness in the center.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour with good results.
What type of chocolate works best?
High-quality dark chocolate around 60–70% cocoa provides the best balance of richness and sweetness.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to maintain flavor balance.
Why must the brownies cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the structure to set, ensuring clean cuts and a properly fudgy texture.
Can I add mix-ins like candy pieces or cookies?
Absolutely. Fold in your favorite mix-ins gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
Conclusion
These brown butter brownies take a timeless dessert and elevate it with deep, nutty richness and intense chocolate flavor. With their fudgy center and delicate crackly top, they are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they deliver pure chocolate indulgence in every bite.
