Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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why make this recipe

Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. They combine the warm, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet cinnamon sugar coating that we all love. The process of browning the butter adds an extra depth of flavor that takes these cookies from good to great. These cookies are perfect for all occasions—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple it is. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. The steps are straightforward, making this a perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Just the smell of the brown butter cooking will remind you of cozy days in the kitchen. Plus, they come out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. What more could you ask for in a cookie?

how to make Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Making these cookies is a wonderful experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Follow this simple step-by-step process to create your own batch of Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step as it ensures even baking for your cookies.
Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it heats. You want to stir often and cook until it turns a light brown color and develops a nutty aroma. This may take around 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
Mix the sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well mixed and creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in the two large eggs, adding them one at a time. Be sure to beat well after each addition to help combine everything smoothly. Then add the vanilla extract and stir it in.
Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will help ensure that the baking soda and cream of tartar are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Form cookie dough: Take a small amount of the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Roll in cinnamon sugar: In a separate small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cookie ball in this mixture to coat it nicely.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the coated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should still appear slightly underbaked. This helps keep them soft and chewy.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up a bit before you enjoy them.

how to serve Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or a warm cup of tea for a perfect treat. You can also serve them on a fun cookie platter for gatherings or parties. Adding some colorful sprinkles or presenting them in a cute jar can enhance the serving experience, making them visually appealing. Cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but can also be a delightful part of any gathering.

how to store Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Storing your Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies correctly will help keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some tips on how to store them:

At room temperature: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
In the refrigerator: You can extend their shelf life by storing the cookies in the fridge. They’re good for about a week when stored this way. Just be sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
For longer storage: If you want to keep cookies for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes.

tips to make Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Brown the butter carefully: Watch the butter closely while it’s browning so it doesn’t burn. It should be a nice, golden brown color and have a nutty aroma.
Don’t skip the cooling: Letting the browned butter cool slightly before mixing helps prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
Chill the dough: If possible, chill the dough for about 30 minutes after mixing it. This can help the flavors develop more and keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Adjust baking time: Since oven temperatures vary, check your cookies a minute or two early. You want them to be just set around the edges and still soft in the middle.

variation

If you want to switch things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try:

Add chocolate chips: For a chocolatey twist, mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough. They pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and sweetness of the cookies.
Nut additions: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and extra flavor to your cookies.
Stuffed cookies: You can make stuffed cookies by placing a small piece of chocolate or even caramel in the center of each dough ball before rolling them in sugar.
Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter will slightly change the flavor of your cookies. You can use it, but be mindful of the additional salt it brings. If you opt for salted butter, consider omitting the added salt in the recipe.

2. Why do I need cream of tartar in this recipe?

Cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient that helps to stabilize the eggs and prevent sugar from crystallizing. In snickerdoodles, it contributes to the classic chewy texture and the cookie’s distinctive rise. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, but the taste may vary slightly.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

4. How do I know when my cookies are done?

The best way to tell if your cookies are done is to look for the edges. They should be lightly golden, while the centers might still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, leading to soft and chewy centers.

5. Can I substitute the sugars?

You can experiment with different types of sugar, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. If you prefer, you can use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar, but mixing them gives the best results in terms of flavor and texture.

By following this simple recipe, you’ll soon have delicious Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that bring warmth and joy into your home. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any cookie jar, making them a beloved treat for everyone! Enjoy your baking adventure!