Can we just take a minute to appreciate the FUDGE factor on these brownies? And another moment to note that they are made with BROWN BUTTER? These incredibly fudgy brown butter brownies are so flavorful, so rich, and they bake with a perfectly thin crinkly top. It’s absolute chocolate heaven.
What is brown butter?
Brown butter is liquid GOLD in baking. It’s the most simple but impactful thing you can make because it only requires one ingredient…butter! Transforming basic butter into brown butter is a very quick process but releases so much flavor.
Brown butter is essentially toasted butter. Butter is melted over a burner to release the milk solids. These then sink to the bottom and toast or “brown” to create a nutty aroma and rich flavor.
To learn more about how to brown butter with step-by-step photos, I have an entire post dedicated to the topic here.
How to make brown butter brownies
In order to ensure the brown butter flavor comes through amongst the loads of semisweet and dark chocolate, I used a really simple trick to create EXTRA brown butter.
When the butter starts to melt and bubble, milk powder is added to the mix. Dry milk powder is the same as the milk solids that are released and toasted from the butter. By adding dry milk powder to the browning process, we are essentially doubling down on those toasty brown butter bits.
Once the milk powder is added, it toasts alongside the milk solids that are released from the butter. Together, the two create a SEA of toasty brown butter bits which duplicates that brown butter flavor.
Tips for baking browned butter brownies
Brown Butter – During the browning process, the milk powder is added when the butter starts to foam. It’s important to keep whisking at this point, otherwise the milk solids can burn at the bottom of the pan. As you whisk, the butter will transform from creamy yellow to amber brown.
Cocoa Powder – Right when the butter browns, quickly whisk in the cocoa powder as this will prevent the brown butter from burning. Then allow the mixture to bubble for 30 seconds. This process activates the cocoa to release even more chocolate flavor.
Sugars – Stick with the sugars used in this recipe. They both play a specific role in these brownies. The brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor while the powdered sugar helps with the crinkly crust on top.
Measuring – For the powdered sugar and flour, gently spoon the ingredient into a measuring cup and level it it off. They both require light and fluffy cups, otherwise these brownies can turn out too sweet or not as fudgy.
Mixing – Whisk all of the ingredients up until the flour is added. At this point, switch to a rubber spatula to gently mix. This will ensure a super tender brownie, as over mixing and lead to a tough texture.
Cooling – Once the brownies have baked, allow them to cool completely. This can be done at room temperature, or sped up in the refrigerator. Either way, the brownies must set before slicing. Otherwise, they will be a fudgy soupy mess.
How to bake crinkle top brownies
The secret to achieving a glossy and paper thin crust on top of brownies is simple – dissolve the sugar!
When sugar is dissolved in the batter, in creates an invisible dry barrier on top of the brownies when baked. That barrier traps air inside the brownies, but is then released through fine little cracks all on the surface.
In the end, that sugar crust on the surface bakes into a glossy paper thin top.
For this recipe, brown sugar is vigorously whisked with the eggs in order to dissolve the large sugar granules. Once fully dissolved, powdered sugar is whisked in.
Since powdered sugar is much more fine than granulated sugar, it dissolves almost instantly. When the two sugars are prepared in this exact way, it will create a glossy paper thin crust on top of these brown butter brownies.
Brown Butter Brownies FAQs
For the best flavor, use 70% cocoa dark chocolate. I prefer Lindt baking chocolate which can be found in the candy aisle of most grocery stores. Otherwise, use bittersweet baking chocolate.
Unfortunately not. Not only does it lead to a much more flavorful brown butter brownie, but leaving it out can alter the texture of these brownies.
Sure! Walnuts or pecans would work great in these brownies. I suggest toasted the nuts at 350F for 8-10 minutes before chopping and mixing in. This will lend the most flavor.
Yes you can, but it will lend a slightly different flavor as dutch process cocoa is much less bitter than regular cocoa.
For the CLEANEST slices, sprits a large knife with nonstick spray between each slice. Wipe the knife off between each cut as well. This is very extra, but very effective.
These brownies are best kept at room temperature. I found that if they are chilled, the brownies firm up a little too much more my liking. But if they are stored at room temp in an air tight container, they will keep for about 5 days.
For more brownie recipes, check out my:
- Salted Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Homemade Cosmic Brownies
- Better Than Box Mix Brownies
- Salted Caramel Brownies
Make sure to tag me @butternutbakery on Instagram and leave a review below if you make these brown butter brownies. To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, the buttons above or below this post, or on any of the photos above. Happy baking!
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Fudgy Brown Butter Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
These brown butter brownies are the FUDGIEST and the most FLAVORFUL brownies you will ever have! They’re made with loads of brown butter, dark and semisweet chocolate, and bake with a glossy paper thin crinkle top.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Brownies
- 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 1/4 cup (38g) dry milk powder*
- 1/2 cup (50g) dutch process cocoa powder
- 6 oz 70% cocoa dark chocolate (or bittersweet chocolate), chopped
- 3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 large eggs, room temp
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 3/4 cups (193g) powdered sugar, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (66g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup (180g) semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Brown Butter Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Add the butter to a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Allow it to melt and then continue to whisk as it starts to bubble.
- Once it starts to foam up, add in the milk powder and quickly whisk. After about 30-60 seconds, it should start to darken into an amber color and give off a nutty aroma.
- Add in the cocoa powder and quickly whisk to combine. Allow the mixture to bubble for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and mix in the chopped chocolate (to melt) and oil.
- While the chocolate butter mixture cools, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Vigorously whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 90 seconds of fast whisking). Test to see if the sugar is dissolved by rubbing the mixture between two fingers. Stop whisking when you can no longer feel the sugar granules.
- Add in the powdered sugar and whisk until completely smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla.
- When the butter chocolate mixture is no longer hot (it’s ok if it’s slightly warm), pour into the eggs and sugar and whisk to combine.
- Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the flour and salt.
- If the batter is still warm, allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before mixing in the chocolate chips. If they’re mixed into a warm batter, they can melt.
- In the meantime, prepare an 8×8 square baking dish. Lightly coat with nonstick spay and press in a sheet of parchment paper to fully cover the bottom and two sides.
- Once the batter has cooled, fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter in the prepped pan.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes. Right when they’re pulled from the oven, immediately slam the pan against a hard surface. This will help create an even fudgier texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool at room temp for 90 minutes or in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- You can tell if they’re ready to slice by lifting them out of the pan by the two parchment paper ends. If the brownies bend in the middle, they’re not ready. If they hold firm while lifting, you’re good to go.
- Slice into 16 bars, wiping off the knife between each cut, and enjoy!
Notes
DRY MILK POWDER – This is an essential ingredient as it amplifies the brown butter flavor. Although it’s not an incredibly common baking ingredient (although it should be) it adds LOADS of flavor to any dessert. Outside of this recipe, I also use it in my vanilla cupcake recipe to add a well rounded flavor. Try adding a tablespoon or two to your next batch of cookies, frosting, or cupcakes to experience just how magical this ingredient is.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown butter brownies, browned butter brownies, crinkle top brownies, fudgy brownies, fudge brownies, gooey brownies, brownie recipe, brownies, homemade brownies, best brownie recipe
These brownies are unbelievable!!! I don’t think I’ll ever use another recipe. They are to die for!! What wonderful flavor and texture. One note is I did have to bake them for longer than the 32 minutes – closer to 45 minutes. Thank you for this recipe – it’s a gift! I’ll be looking through more recipes on your blog.
Thank you!!
Could I make this is in a 13×9 pan??
Unfortunately I think the brownies could really struggle to set in the center if baked in a larger pan.
Hello, do I use unsweetened cocoa powder ?
Yes unsweetened cocoa powder should be ok! But for the best flavor I like to use dutch processed 🙂
I’ve been looking for the best brownie recipe and this is it! They were perfectly fudgy, sweet and oh so delicious and it was gone in less than two days! These are definitely a keeper!!
★★★★★
Is powdered sugar icing sugar ?
Yes!
Hi Jenna,
I was so excited to make the recipe, but it didn’t come out as I had hoped. When the butter started to foam up, I added the dry milk, but it didn’t turn amber so I kept whisking until it did, which was about 2 minutes later. At the end my melted chocolate had crunchy, maybe burnt bits in it. Also, I cooked them for your recommended time and the edges seemed to be burning but the middle came out super gooey, almost uncooked – what did I do wrong?
Also, I used King Arthur Baker’s Special dry milk – is that the wrong kind?
Thanks so much,
Alicia
★★★★
When adding the milk powder, make sure to immediately start whisking otherwise the powder can clump up. And do you have an electric stove top? It might take some extra time for the butter to brown if it’s electric. And what type of pan did you use? Light metal pans are best for baking. If it’s glass you could run into issues with an uneven bake. And did you allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing?
I tried this recipe, it’s very tasty. Thank you for sharing
★★★★★
Oh. My! These brownies are heavenly! Definitely will be making these from now on!
★★★★★
I bake a lot and my family said this was the best thing I’ve ever made. Omg they are so good. The entire pan lasted only a day.
★★★★★
This recipe was incredible! I used walnuts instead of chocolate chips which really added to the nutty flavor. Love it so much, will definitely be a go to in the future!
★★★★★
Just made these and they turned out great! Very rich and gooey. Next time I’ll probably let the butter get fully browned before I add the dry milk to give it more of that nutty flavor. I baked mine for 32 but they were still raw so I left them in for 44 total. Next time I’d probably stop at 40 as they do keep cooking in the pan. Will definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Do you think that it would work with almond flour or buckwheat flour? I’ve got a GF BF who can’t have maize so traditional GF flours are a no go for us!
★★★★★
If anything I would try a gluten free baking flour blend!
Please let me know if this turned out well (if you did try it with GF flour!)
Hi, this recipe looks amazing! Do you think these brownies would survive being the base of a brookie recipe (brownie batter on bottom, cookie dough on top)?
I think that could work!
So ridiculously ridiculous!!! Made them twice, but just wanted to confirm on the milk powder because most of what’s at the grocery store is non fat milk powder, what did you use? What if I’m using the wrong kind and they can be even better? Kind of scared if that’s the case😂
★★★★★
I used nonfat! I linked the exact one I use 🙂
WOW!!!!!! Instant Favorite brownie of all time. I’ve been on a brownie hunt for the past two years with every single brownie recipe failing to light my fire. Until now. This recipe is dark, so dark and so decadent and absolute perfection. I ate 90% of it by myself in 3 days. I needed this in my life and will never make another brownie recipe ever again. THANK YOU.
★★★★★
Thank you!!
My son has a dairy allergy. Any substitute for the milk powder?
Coconut milk powder 🙂
OH. MY. GOD! I am a very seasoned baker. Having tried many brownie recipes and let me tell you — this one is hands down THE BEST I have ever made. A 20/10! The kind of recipe that makes you sign praises to the Gods above. It was easy to make, came together perfectly (and quickly), and wasn’t a goopy mess that was hard to spread in the pan. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this recipe!! xx