The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about making Brown Butter Holiday Cookies, especially during the colder months when the kitchen feels like the coziest place in the house. Growing up in Crete, the holidays were filled with the scent of cinnamon, toasted nuts, and buttery treats that my grandmother baked with so much love. Even though brown butter wasn’t something she traditionally used, she always believed in deep, warm flavors that make a cookie feel like a hug and that’s exactly what these cookies do.
I still remember watching her melt butter on the stove as she hummed softly, telling me that patience and a happy heart make everything taste better. When I first learned how to make Brown Butter Holiday Cookies, the aroma instantly reminded me of sitting beside her, eager to sneak a cookie before dinner. And yes, she always caught me but she always smiled and handed me another one anyway.
Now, as a 38-year-old island girl who still believes food brings women and families together, I love making these cookies every holiday season. They mix a little tradition with a little creativity just like the way I cook everything in my kitchen. And yes, things get messy. Flour ends up everywhere, my apron is never clean, and I probably lick the spoon more than I should. But that’s what makes baking fun, right?
These Brown Butter Holiday Cookies are rich, nutty, and irresistibly soft. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that feels warm and festive, making every bite taste like the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or preparing a cozy moment for yourself, these cookies bring joy with every batch.
So if you’re ready to make a holiday treat that feels nostalgic, comforting, and just a little fancy, let’s start baking these delicious Brown Butter Holiday Cookies. I promise they’ll become part of your yearly traditions just like they’ve become part of mine.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins (Optional):
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Holiday sprinkles for topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it will start to foam and turn golden. Stir continuously until you see brown specks on the bottom and smell a nutty aroma. This is your liquid gold! Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes. Browning the butter is what makes these Brown Butter Holiday Cookies shine.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This simple step ensures your cookies stay soft and fluffy.
Mix Sugars and Brown Butter
In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until it becomes smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then stir in the vanilla.
Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is combined. The dough will be soft and fragrant.
Add Mix-ins
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles depending on the flavor you want. You can even divide the dough to make multiple varieties.
Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and gives the cookies their perfect texture.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the tray, spacing them apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Don’t overbake brown butter cookies taste best when soft inside.
Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar or top with holiday sprinkles for extra charm.
Serving Suggestions
These Brown Butter Holiday Cookies are perfect with:
- Hot chocolate
- A warm mug of chai
- Coffee or espresso
- A holiday dessert board
- Gift boxes for friends and neighbors
They also freeze beautifully both baked and unbaked making them ideal for holiday prep.
Recipe Card 🗂️
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 12 minutes
- Total: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
- Brown butter
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Optional mix-ins
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the butter and cool.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine brown butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in dry ingredients.
- Add mix-ins.
- Chill dough 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
💡 Notes
- Chill dough for thicker cookies.
- Add white chocolate for a festive twist.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt for extra flavor.
🍪 Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 20g
Conclusion
Making Brown Butter Holiday Cookies is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. The warm, nutty flavor of the brown butter brings depth to every bite, and the simple ingredients make this recipe easy for anyone to try. Whether you’re baking with family, preparing gifts, or adding something special to your holiday table, these cookies bring joy, comfort, and nostalgia.
I hope this recipe becomes one of your yearly traditions, just like it has become one of mine. Happy baking and may your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious cookie aromas!
Short Story Version (100 Words)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and Brown Butter Holiday Cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake during the festive season. The nutty aroma of brown butter always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where rich holiday desserts brought everyone together. Even though she didn’t use brown butter, she taught me to love deep, comforting flavors. These cookies mix that memory with my own little twist, making them warm, soft, and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family or sharing with friends, these cookies bring a cozy, homemade touch to every celebration. I hope they brighten your holidays!