How to Make Brown Butter, Step by Step

Learn how to make brown butter in this easy recipe tutorial! Made on the stovetop in just 5 minutes, browned butter adds a rich, nutty, and caramelized flavor to baked treats that plain melted butter can’t match. Follow this foolproof method for perfect results every time.

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If you’re a longtime reader, you know that I’m obsessed with brown butter. It’s my favorite way to elevate any dessert recipe, from the fudgiest brownies to zesty lemon bars and soft baked sugar cookies.

Brown butter (or beurre noisette, if you’re feeling fancy) is simply butter that’s been cooked slowly on the stovetop until the water evaporates, the milk solids are toasted, and the butter develops a deep amber color. It’s basically liquid gold!

Overview: How to Make Brown Butter

Slice butter into 8 pieces (this helps it melt faster) and place in a heavy saucepan. I like to use a light-colored saucepan or light ceramic skillet so that it’s easy to see the color develop.

Melt butter over medium heat.

Continue stirring with a rubber spatula until butter is completely melted, about 1 minute.

As the butter continues to cook, you’ll notice that it starts to foam up across the surface. This takes about 2 minutes.

Continue cooking, stirring with a spatula, until the milk solids begin to brown and the color starts to deepen. The butter begins to turn golden brown after about 3 to 4 minutes.

After 5 minutes, the melted butter will reach a medium amber brown with a nutty aroma, similar to toasted hazelnuts.

Once the moisture has fully evaporated and the sizzling stops, it’s good to go. Carefully pour it into a glass bowl (this stops the cooking process) and follow the recipe from there.

Some recipes may call for using solidified brown butter instead of using it in its melted form (like these roll out sugar cookies).

To make it, just pour the melted brown butter into a shallow ceramic dish or ramekin and freeze for 45 minutes to an hour, until firm.

As it chills, the layers separate, with the nutty brown bits settling to the bottom. Once it’s solid, you can scrape it out of the dish and use it at room temperature.

Favorite ways to use brown butter:

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
• Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Browned Butter Rice Krispy Treats
• Strawberry Crumb Bars
• Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Brown Butter Made Easy: Step-by-Step Guide

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• Author: Laura Kasavan
• Prep Time: 1 minute
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1/2 cup
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

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Description

Follow these steps to make brown butter on the stovetop in 5 minutes with perfect results every time. Rich and nutty brown butter instantly elevates every recipe!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter
• light-colored saucepan or ceramic skillet

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Instructions

1. Slice butter into 8 pieces (this helps the butter melt faster) and place in a heavy saucepan. Use a light-colored saucepan or light ceramic skillet so that you can easily see the color develop.
2. Melt butter over medium heat. Continue stirring with a rubber spatula until butter is completely melted, about 1 minute.
3. As the butter continues to cook, you’ll notice that it starts to foam up across the surface (after about 2 minutes). Stir frequently to prevent the milk solids from burning.
4. Continue cooking, stirring with a spatula, until the milk solids begin to brown (form brown specks at the bottom of the pan) and the color starts to deepen. The butter will begin to brown after about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. After 5 minutes, the butter will reach a medium amber brown with a nutty aroma. When the moisture has fully evaporated and the sizzling stops, remove from the heat. Pour browned butter into a glass bowl or jar and use as directed in the recipe.

Notes

Double Batch: This recipe doubles easily in a larger saucepan or skillet.

Make Ahead: Make brown butter. Once cool, store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Rewarm in the microwave before using (or bring to room temperature if the recipe calls for solidified brown butter).

Freeze Brown Butter: Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container (use an airtight plastic storage container to freeze as glass jars or containers may shatter).