Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
vegetariandessertsnackKid-FriendlyMeal-Prep
Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth to these sugar cookies. The molasses amplifies the effect. This version is a bit richer and more complex than the classic. See the full recipe with air frying directions below.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Season it upPairs with Cinnamon Sugar, Simple Salt & Pepper, Pumpkin Spice, or Apple Pie SpiceSee all seasonings →
Steps
- 01Brown the butter: melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden amber and smells nutty. About 4 to 5 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
- 02Add the brown sugar to the cooled browned butter. Stir until smooth.
- 03Add the egg, vanilla, and molasses. Mix until combined.
- 04Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It will be stickier than the base recipe.
- 05Refrigerate for 20 minutes (the browned butter makes the dough softer).
- 06Roll into 1-inch balls. Flatten slightly and press a few flakes of sea salt on top.
- 07Ready for the air fryer.
Browning butter is the single biggest upgrade you can make to any cookie recipe. The milk solids toast and develop a nutty, caramel-like depth that regular melted butter can't touch. The 10-minute cool down is important because if you add the egg to hot butter, you get scrambled eggs in your cookie dough.
people love this variationShare your own version →
How to Air Fry It
- 01Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C) and place a perforated parchment liner in the basket.
- 02Place store-bought ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough rounds onto the liner, spacing them evenly apart.
- 03Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 8 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
- 04Leave the cookies in the basket for 3 minutes to set up, as they will be very soft when the cooking time finishes.
- 05Carefully remove with a spatula and let cool completely before frosting or eating.
Recipe Notes
Be the first to share a tip or note about this recipe. What worked, what you changed, or what you'd do differently next time.
Season it up
Pairs well
Meal Prep
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes to refresh. Also freeze well for 2 months.
Discussion
Loading comments...