Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

You’ve never had oatmeal cookies like these! Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and baked with brown butter for a rich and nutty flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends with their unique taste and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates the classic oatmeal cookie to something truly special.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, making them irresistible.
• Versatile Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, for added excitement.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at gatherings or keep them all to yourself—either way, they’re a hit!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes allows you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without overflow.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients together gently without overmixing, ensuring your cookies remain tender.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps achieve uniform cooking and browning for your cookies.

Ingredients

You’ve never had oatmeal cookies like these! They’re soft, chewy, and baked with brown butter for a rich and nutty flavor.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, browned to make 3/4 cup (160g), melted
• 1 cup (200g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (175g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Optional Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, or nuts)
• Flaky sea salt

How to Make Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning the butter. See my full post here on how to do so. Once browned, measure it out to exactly 3/4 cup. If you have too much, take out a couple tablespoons. If you don’t have enough, add water to level it off. Ensure it’s no longer warm when adding it to the dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
* 2 cups (175g) old-fashioned rolled oats
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
* The cooled brown butter,
* 1 cup (200g) light or dark brown sugar,
* 2 large eggs,
* 1 tsp vanilla extract.

It should be smooth and slightly thickened to a caramel color.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Dump in the dry ingredients from Step 2. Use a rubber spatula to fold until the flour is fully absorbed—don’t overmix. If using mix-ins from the optional section above, fold those in just before fully absorbing the flour.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place the dough uncovered in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

When the chilling time is almost up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Scoop Dough

Scoop the dough into balls using either:
* A large scoop for large cookies,
* Weigh each cookie using a food scale at 2oz each,
* A regular cookie scoop.

This recipe makes about 15 large cookies or 20–22 regular cookies.

Step 8: Shape & Bake Cookies

Roll the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet a few inches apart. Gently press each ball down to about half an inch thickness. Return any remaining dough to the fridge. Bake large cookies for 12–14 minutes; regular ones for 10–12 minutes.

Step 9: Check Doneness

The cookies are done when there’s a golden brown ring around the edges while the center remains pale and puffed. They may look underdone but will continue baking once removed from the oven.

Step 10: Add Flaky Sea Salt & Cool

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Let them cool for about 15 minutes before indulging in your delicious Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

How to Serve Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with complementary flavors can elevate the experience. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies that will impress your family and friends.

With a Glass of Milk

• Classic Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk balances the rich brown butter flavor perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sweet Treat: Take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious ice cream sandwich. This combination makes for a fantastic dessert.

Warmed with Chocolate Drizzle

• Decadent Finish: Warm the cookies slightly in the microwave and drizzle melted chocolate over them for an indulgent touch. This adds extra richness to each bite.

On a Dessert Platter

• Presentation Matters: Arrange your Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies on a beautiful platter with seasonal fruits or nuts. This enhances visual appeal and offers contrasting flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Fruity Contrast: Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit, like apples or berries. The freshness cuts through the richness of the cookies, making for a balanced snack.

Topped with Nut Butter

• Nutty Delight: Spread some almond or peanut butter on top of each cookie for added nutty flavor and creaminess. This is great for those who love an extra layer of taste.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

To achieve the best Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies, follow these helpful tips that can make all the difference in texture and flavor.

• Use Chilled Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking. Chilling helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch your butter closely while browning it; you want it golden brown with a nutty aroma but not burnt.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Accurate ingredients ensure consistent results.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a chewier texture than desired.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to customize your cookies according to your taste.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; every oven is different. Remove them when they have a golden edge but are still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement these cookies well.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a cup for a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of oatmeal cookies.
3. Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits on a cheese board for an elegant presentation that pairs nicely with sweet flavors.
4. Chai Latte: A warm chai latte spices up your cookie experience, providing warmth that complements their rich taste wonderfully.
5. Hot Chocolate: Pairing the cookies with hot chocolate creates a comforting dessert duo that’s perfect for chilly days.
6. Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea brings out the flavors in the cookies while providing a soothing beverage option.
7. Ice Cream: As mentioned earlier, serving alongside ice cream is always a hit, especially during warm weather!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies is a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using warm butter can lead to spread-out cookies. Make sure your brown butter is cooled before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading. Don’t skip this step; 20 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference!
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision matters in baking. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially for flour and sugar.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to ensure they don’t overbake.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies Special?

Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies stand out due to their rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter, making them more decadent than regular oatmeal cookies.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent.

How Can I Customize My Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies?

You can add various mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts according to your preference. Experiment with different flavors!

How Do I Know When My Cookies Are Done?

Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are done when they have golden edges yet appear slightly underbaked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I Turn This Recipe Into Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Spread the dough into a greased baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares once cooled.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and soft textures with a deliciously rich flavor. Their versatility allows for countless variations, so feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!