How to Brown Butter

Browning butter is a simple yet transformative technique that can elevate dishes, from baked goods to savory dishes. But how do you make brown butter? I am going to show you just how easy it is with my step-by-step instructions on how to brown butter. Are you ready to take your baking to the next level?

What is brown butter?

Brown butter is butter that has been melted and cooked until the milk solids turn a rich golden brown. This process creates a complex, nutty flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. In just about 10 minutes, you’re left with a one ingredient wonder, and you’ll never go back to regular butter. Brown butter adds incredible flavor to cookies!

What do I need to brown butter?

1. Butter: You can use unsalted or salted butter, but make sure to use quality butter. My favorite is Cabot Creamery. Be sure to cut it into pieces so it cooks evenly and pull it out about 30 minutes before you start.
2. Pan: Use a light-colored pan (stainless steel) for best results. Whatever you do, do not use a nonstick pan. It will prevent the butter from browning completely and you won’t be able to see how browned it’s getting.
3. Something to stir the butter: Use a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon.

How to make brown butter

Step 1: In a shallow pan over medium heat, melt down the butter.

Step 2: After the butter is melted, it will start to bubble and turn from a soft yellow to a bright yellow. This step requires you to whisk occasionally.

Step 3: The bubbles will begin to multiple and they will turn into a fine foam. It will be hard to see what is happening underneath, so be sure to whisk consistently at this point.

Step 4: As you are whisking, you should notice the butter transitioning into a rich golden color. You should start to see the milk solids on the bottom of the pan darken into a light brown. At this point, it should be between 6-7 minutes since you started melting the butter. You are getting close!

Step 5: Remove from the heat and keep whisking. The residual heat will continue to toast the milk solids to create a rich amber color.

Step 6: After the butter is browned, pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool before using in your recipe. You should notice dark bits at the bottom of the pan. Don’t leave these tiny guys behind. They hold all the flavor!

How to use brown butter in recipes

Using brown butter in recipes can enhance various dishes. Here’s a few ways to incorporate it:

1. Baking: Substitute brown butter for regular butter in baked goods.
2. Pasta Sauces: Drizzle brown butter over cooked pasta for a rich sauce.
3. Vegetables: Toss roasted or sautéed vegetables in brown butter to add depth and flavor.
4. Sweet Sauces: Use brown butter as a base for sauces to drizzle over desserts, like ice cream or pancakes.
5. Savory Dishes: Incorporate brown butter into risottos or grain bowls for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Frostings: Use brown butter in frostings for cakes or cupcakes to give them a unique twist. Be sure to allow it to cool before you mix it into your frosting recipe.
7. Doughs and Batters: For pancakes or waffles, use brown butter in the batter for a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
8. Drizzling: Finish off dishes like roasted meats or baked goods with a drizzle of warm brown butter to elevate the presentation and taste.

Recipes to make with brown butter

• Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
• 2 Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter can burn

It’s important to keep your eye on the stove the entire time because brown butter can burn in a matter of seconds. Do not attempt to multitask while making brown butter. Once you notice the specks on the bottom of the pan have browned, immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the butter into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process.

Tips for the best brown butter

• Use a light colored pan so you can see the change in color as the butter browns. Keep in mind, the more surface area of the pan, the quicker the butter will brown.
• Use a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir the butter.
• Don’t look away! The second you do, the butter will burn. Don’t try to multitask and keep stirring.
• It’s best to pour the brown butter in a heatproof glass bowl for it to cool down. I love using my Pyrex bowl because I pour it in here and then continue on using it in my recipe. Find them here.
• If you are using 1 stick (114g) of butter, the entire process of browning butter should take around 10 minutes. If you use less, it will go much quicker. Be sure to pay attention!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? ❤️
Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. This helps other readers decide if this is a great recipe to bake. Be sure to tag me on Instagram using @schmidtybakes so I can see. I love to see what you’re baking!

Print