If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter cookies, you’re in for a treat! These brown butter peanut butter cookies take the beloved flavor of peanut butter to a whole new level. By browning the butter, you add a rich, nutty, caramel-like depth that perfectly complements the creamy peanut butter. The result? Soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you step by step to create cookies that strike the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Let’s get baking!
Prep Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 18–20 cookies
ngredients for Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
To make these brown butter peanut butter cookies, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a little extra care for the browned butter. Trust me, the flavor payoff is worth it!
For the Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (for browning)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer natural for pure peanut flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top (this enhances the sweet and salty balance).
- Chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair.
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to making cookies that are chewy, rich, and packed with flavor. The browned butter adds an extra layer of nuttiness that makes these cookies truly irresistible!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
To begin, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts and begins to foam. After a few minutes, you’ll notice it turning golden brown with a nutty aroma. At this point, remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning. Transfer the browned butter to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly for 5–10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the butter while browning—it can go from golden to burned quickly!
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Once the browned butter has cooled, whisk in the peanut butter until smooth and combined. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until the sugars are fully incorporated. Next, stir in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly thick and soft.
Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough—this keeps the cookies tender and chewy.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies may be slightly thinner.
Step 5: Roll and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern to create the classic peanut butter cookie look.
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look soft—that’s perfect! Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once cooled, sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast, or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra treat. Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
- Watch the Butter Closely While Browning
Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor, but it can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells fragrant. - Let the Butter Cool Slightly
After browning, let the butter cool for about 5–10 minutes before adding the peanut butter. This prevents the heat from melting the sugar or scrambling the egg. - Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs and peanut butter mix more easily into the batter, ensuring a smooth, even texture. If your peanut butter is too stiff, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it slightly. - Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps solidify the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes in the fridge makes a difference. - Don’t Overbake
To keep the cookies chewy and tender, remove them from the oven when the edges look set but the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. - Add a Finishing Touch
For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the warm cookies. This sweet-and-salty combination enhances the peanut butter and brown butter flavors beautifully. - Customize Your Cookies
Want to elevate these even further? Fold in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a swirl of Nutella before baking for an extra decadent twist. - Store Them Properly
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—they thaw beautifully!
Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and treats. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- A tall glass of cold milk is a classic choice. The creamy milk balances the nutty, caramelized flavors of the cookies perfectly and makes each bite even more satisfying.
- Vanilla ice cream sandwiches are a decadent treat. Simply scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice cream between two cookies, and you’ll have an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
- A cup of hot coffee or tea adds a cozy, comforting touch. The warmth of the drink enhances the cookies’ rich brown butter flavor, making them perfect for an afternoon break.
- A dessert board with fresh fruit and chocolate chunks makes for a stunning presentation. Pair the cookies with fresh strawberries, dark chocolate, and other sweet treats for a shareable platter. For more variety, try including these carrot cake cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Fluffy pancakes for brunch create a complete sweet spread. Combine these cookies with this fluffy pancakes recipe for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing table.
With these serving ideas, you can enjoy these cookies as a standalone treat or as part of a larger dessert spread. Whether you’re dipping them in milk or pairing them with ice cream, they’re guaranteed to make any moment extra special.
FAQs About Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
1. What does browned butter do to cookies?
Browning butter enhances the flavor of cookies by adding a rich, nutty, and slightly caramelized taste. As the butter melts and the milk solids toast, it develops a deeper, more complex flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter. It also gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture with slightly crispy edges.
2. Can peanut butter replace butter in cookies?
While peanut butter adds moisture and flavor to cookies, it can’t completely replace butter without affecting the texture. Butter provides fat that helps with structure and tenderness, while peanut butter adds a dense, nutty flavor. If you want to reduce butter, you can swap half the butter with peanut butter, but the cookies may be slightly drier and less spreadable.
3. How to prevent brown butter cookies from spreading?
To prevent cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake. Additionally, ensure you’re measuring the flour accurately—a bit too little flour can make the dough too loose.
4. Why do my peanut butter cookies not taste like peanut butter?
If your peanut butter cookies lack flavor, it might be due to the type of peanut butter used. Natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils delivers the strongest peanut flavor. Additionally, increasing the amount of peanut butter slightly or adding a pinch of salt can help enhance the overall taste.
Conclusion: Bake the Perfect Brown Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
In conclusion, these brown butter peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. By taking the time to brown the butter, you add an irresistible nutty depth that elevates the classic peanut butter flavor to something truly special. Additionally, with simple tips like chilling the dough and using quality peanut butter, you’ll bake cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time.
Whether you’re serving them with a glass of milk, as part of a dessert board, or indulging in a midnight snack, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. So, preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to the ultimate peanut butter cookie experience—you deserve it!
Happy baking!