How to Brown Butter

A closeup of a spoon filled with browned butter.

5 from 1 vote

Browned butter adds such a rich and toasted flavor to cookies, cakes, sauces, and more! You can learn how to make brown butter with a few simple steps. It only takes 10 minutes to make.

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Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 6 tablespoons

Metric - US Customary

Ingredients

▢ 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter - at room temperature

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Instructions

Cut 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter into small pieces.
Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Place the pieces of butter into the skillet.
Cook, stirring frequently, as the butter melts. It will begin to foam up. Keep stirring.
Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly. The foam will subside and the milk solids will settle to the bottom of the pan and turn brown. Stir to prevent the milk solids from burning.
Once the butter turns an amber color and has a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl.
Let cool and use in liquid-form or store in the refrigerator to let it solidify to use in baking recipes.

Video

Notes

Butter: Salted works too, just account for the extra salt if you're using this in a recipe that already calls for some.
Pan: A light-colored pan makes the color change easier to see. In a dark pan, it's easy to miss the moment the butter is ready and overshoot into burnt.
Storage: Keeps in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer (ice cube trays work well) for up to 6 months.

Nutrition