Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

These Brown Butter Snickerdoodles are the perfect treat for any occasion! Their crispy edges and chewy centers combined with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating make them irresistible. The addition of browned butter and dark brown sugar elevates the flavor, ensuring that these cookies will be a hit among friends and family. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of browned butter and dark brown sugar creates a rich, complex taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have the ideal balance of crispiness on the outside and chewiness on the inside.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip up a batch without hassle.
• Versatile Snack: Great for parties, holidays, or just an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled for several hours, making it easy to prepare in advance.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for incorporating air into your batter, resulting in lighter cookies.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution while baking your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

For these delicious Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, you will need:

• 184 grams unsalted Kerrygold butter (browned to 150 grams*)
• 100 grams dark brown sugar
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 250 grams all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 5 grams cornstarch
• 66 grams granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

How to Make Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the following:
* 250 grams all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
* 5 grams cornstarch

Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat:
1. Stir occasionally as it crackles and sizzles.
2. Allow it to foam until golden brown with brown bits visible.
3. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a large bowl; chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

After chilling, add the following to the cooled butter:
* 100 grams dark brown sugar
* 100 grams granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add one room temperature egg and one egg yolk. Whisk until completely combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least three hours.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Once the dough has chilled:
1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together:
* 66 grams granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out dough portions and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated.
2. Space them on the prepared baking sheet about 2–3 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about:
8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are puffy. Allow cooling on baking sheet for about ten minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked Brown Butter Snickerdoodles warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

These brown butter snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a quiet evening at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm straight from the oven for a soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth. The aroma will fill your kitchen and entice everyone around.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Use two snickerdoodles to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor, such as vanilla or cinnamon, for a perfect dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Complement these cookies with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears for a balanced snack that adds freshness alongside the rich flavors.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The spices in the snickerdoodles pair beautifully with both beverages.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

To make sure your brown butter snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your egg and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least three hours helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.

• Use quality spices: Fresh ground cinnamon significantly enhances flavor. Invest in high-quality spices for the best results.

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor variations if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Brown butter snickerdoodles can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy dish that pairs nicely with cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside nuts and dried fruits for a sophisticated touch.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit and marshmallows creates an indulgent dessert experience that goes well with snickerdoodles.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm flavors of cinnamon sugar perfectly.

6. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Warm up with spiced hot chocolate, which enhances the cozy feeling when enjoying these delicious cookies.

7. Nutty Granola Bars: Pairing these cookies with nutty granola bars offers an excellent contrast in texture while keeping it sweet!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making brown butter snickerdoodles can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can prevent proper browning. Always start with room temperature butter to get that rich flavor.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Make sure to chill your dough for at least 3 hours for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using imprecise measurements can affect your cookie’s outcome. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overbaking Cookies: Baking too long makes cookies hard rather than chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are set.
• Forgetting Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Skipping this step means missing out on that signature snickerdoodle taste. Coat each cookie generously before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies for easy removal.

Reheating Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about brown butter snickerdoodles.

What makes Brown Butter Snickerdoodles unique?

Brown butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the sugars, giving these cookies a deep, rich taste compared to traditional recipes.

Can I use other types of sugar?

Yes! You can substitute light brown sugar or even coconut sugar if desired. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I know when my Brown Butter Snickerdoodles are done baking?

The edges should be set while the centers remain puffy. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to customize your cookies further.

Final Thoughts

These brown butter snickerdoodles are not just delicious; their versatility allows you to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. The rich taste from browned butter combined with cinnamon sugar creates an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to suit your preferences!