How to Brown Butter

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Brown Butter is made by slowly cooking butter on the stove until it turns golden brown. The rich, caramelized flavor adds depth and boldness to both baked goods and savory dishes. Learn how to brown butter with our detailed step-by-step photos and a video!

brown butter in a jar with a spoon

Browned butter is literally liquid gold. It tastes amazing and adds depth, flavor and richness to both baked goods (especially brown butter chocolate chip cookies) and savory dishes.

In this post, I will walk you through how to brown butter step-by-step. I’ve included photos of every step of the process so you can be certain you are doing it correctly.

Use it to make chocolate chip cookies, rice crispy treats, tortellini sauce, etc.

brown butter in a jar labeled "browned butter"

Browned Butter Ingredients & Equipment

ingredients in this brown butter recipe
  • Salted butter. You can use unsalted butter if desired, although salted is best.
  • Heavy-Bottomed Pan. I suggest a thick pot like this one, it’s 2.5 mm thick on the bottom for even heating. You can also use a heavy bottomed dutch oven.
  • Heatproof Spatula. The brown butter needs to be stirred often, so you need a heat-proof utensil to make this recipe. I suggest a high-heat silicone spatula.
brown butter in a glass jar with a spoon

How to Make Brown Butter

Making brown butter is fairly simple, but it can be easy to second guess yourself and wonder if you’re doing it correctly.

That’s why I have included photos of every step of the process for you – to take the guesswork out of the method so you can feel confident you are making browned butter correctly. Don’t forget to watch the video as well to see the process in action.

Begin by cutting the butter into ยฝ โ€œ cubes. This helps it melt evenly and avoids burning.

cubed butter on a plate

Then, put the butter in an even layer into the bottom of a thick-bottomed pan.

cubed butter in a pan to make browned butter

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. First, the butter will melt.

Do not turn the heat to high to speed up the process. It’s important to cook it over medium heat.

two photos showing how to brown butter - butter melting

Then, it will begin to foam on top and start bubbling.

two photos showing how to brown butter - butter foaming

Next, it will start turning light brown with light brown flecks.

two photos showing how to brown butter - as it starts to brown

Then, it will become a darker brown, amber color.

At this point the butter is browned and cooking is complete.  

brown butter in a pan

 As soon as butter is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl or glass jar to cool and stop cooking.

It should be amber in color with nice dark amber flecks throughout.

brown butter being poured into a jar

Use in your favorite recipes

You can use this liquid gold (browned butter) to make so many delicious recipes. Here are some suggestions:

brown butter in a glass jar with a spoon

Store

Store browned butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 2 months. Use it in your favorite recipes. I often make it the day before I want to bake with it.

brown butter in a glass jar

Brown Butter Recipe FAQS & Troubleshooting

How long does it take to brown butter?

The entire process takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

Do you stir butter when browning?

Yes, browned butter requires your undivided attention (thankfully it doesn’t take too long). You need to stir often to prevent burning.

Why is my butter not browning?

It’s likely because you are cooking the butter on too low heat. You need to cook it on medium heat so some of the water cooks off and it can begin to brown.

Can you overcook brown butter?

Yes. Butter goes from perfectly browned to burnt fairly quickly. This is why it’s important to watch it closely.

Why is my butter foaming when Browning?

First, this is a normal and necessary part of the process. The foam is the water content of the butter evaporating out of the mixture. Since water has a boiling point of 212ยฐF, it has to be cooked off before the fat in the butter can get hot enough to brown.

brown butter in a glass jar with a spoon

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How to Brown Butter

Laura
Brown Butter is made by slowly cooking butter on the stove until it turns golden brown. The rich, caramelized flavor adds depth and boldness to both baked goods and savory dishes. Learn how to brown butter with our detailed step-by-step photos and a video!
5 from 3 votes
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings (1 TBS each)
Calories 102
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time20 minutes
Cooling30 minutes
Total Time51 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • ยฝ cup butter (salted or unsalted)

Instructions 

  • Cut butter into ยฝ โ€œ cubes.
  • Put butter in a thick-bottomed pan (preferably in an even layer).
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally,
  • First, the butter will melt.
  • Then, it will begin to foam on top and start bubbling.
  • Next, it will start turning light brown with light brown flecks.
  • Then, it will start turning a darker brown, amber color. At this point the butter is browned and cooking is complete.
  • As soon as the butter is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl or glass jar to cool and stop cooking. It should be amber in color with nice dark amber flecks throughout.

Video

Notes

Only brown up to 1 cup of butter at a time.ย 
Store
Store browned butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 2 months. Use it in your favorite recipes. I often make it the day before I want to bake with it.
Use it to make brown butter chocolate chip cookies!

Nutrition

Serving: 1TBS | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.01g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.003mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am asked for these cookies regularly! No more tollhouse in our house! I will be trying the recipe with brown butter nextโ€ฆ