Name: Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (browned); ¾ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; A splash of milk (as needed to thin); Sprinkles or flaky sea salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you’re looking to elevate your cookie game to a whole new level, the Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the warm, nutty flavor of perfectly browned butter and the sweet, soft texture of classic sugar cookies. The finishing touch of a silky vanilla bean glaze adds a delicate glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe combines familiar ingredients with a little culinary magic to create something truly unforgettable, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply treating yourself to a special moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds several light golden cookies arranged in a neat row. Each cookie has a soft, crumbly texture with a smooth top, decorated with thin, creamy white icing drizzled in even stripes across the surface. One cookie is on top of another, showing a close-up of its inside with a bite taken, revealing a dense and slightly grainy crumb. Small brown nuts are scattered around the cookies on the plate, adding a touch of contrast against the white background and golden cookies. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in the final cookie’s taste, texture, and appeal. From the richness of browned butter to the aromatic lift of vanilla bean paste, every item matters here.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, browned): The star of the recipe, bringing a deep, nutty flavor that makes these cookies unique.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone to keep the cookies soft.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie texture.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness, binding everything beautifully.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Offers a fragrant vanilla flavor that’s more intense than basic extract.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): Gives the dough the perfect body and a tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon) and baking soda (1 teaspoon): Together, they ensure a lovely rise and soft crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Powdered sugar (1½ cups): For the smooth, luscious vanilla bean glaze coating the cookies.
Milk (a splash): Used to thin the glaze until perfectly drippable.

How to Make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye and stir frequently while it foams, watching for those golden brown specks to appear and the unmistakable nutty aroma to fill your kitchen. This browning process takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is what transforms ordinary butter into an extraordinary flavor bomb. Once browned, immediately transfer it to a heatproof bowl to stop cooking and let it cool slightly before mixing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures these leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, making your cookies rise and taste just right.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, blend the cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated, creating a luscious, fragrant base. Gently add the pre-mixed dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms. Resist the urge to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough and Prepare to Bake

Using about a quarter cup of dough per cookie, roll each portion into smooth balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes at this stage is crucial—it helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavors, leading to a better-textured cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled dough balls for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for the edges to firm up while the centers remain soft and inviting. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Bean Glaze

While the cookies cool, prepare the optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl. Slowly add milk one splash at a time, stirring until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies with a piping bag or even a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped. For an extra touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or flaky sea salt atop the glaze for texture and flair.

How to Serve Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

The image shows several round soft cookies arranged on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two main layers: a light brown cookie base with a smooth texture and visible tiny specks, and a light beige icing drizzled over the top in thin, parallel lines. Scattered around the cookies on the plate are whole hazelnuts in dark brown and beige shades and tiny colorful sprinkles in red, green, and white. The cookies appear soft and slightly raised, lying close to each other in a neat group. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance these cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or mini rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch. For a subtle crunch, finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds bring a wonderful contrast to the soft cookie and sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a creamy glass of cold milk. If you want to turn it into a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a delicate fruit compote for added freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty tin lined with parchment for a charming gift. Layer them between sheets of wax paper in a jar and tie with a ribbon for an inviting homemade surprise. For parties, stack them in staggered towers, drizzling extra glaze decoratively to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Making sure they’re fully cooled before storing keeps the glaze intact and cookies soft but not sticky.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unglazed dough balls or fully cooled cookies (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep deliciously fresh for up to three months. Once thawed, glaze and decorate as usual.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness. Avoid reheating the glaze directly to prevent melting or running.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste adds visible specks and a stronger vanilla flavor, regular vanilla extract works perfectly well and still gives that warm, aromatic note.

Why do you brown the butter instead of just melting it?

Brown butter has a rich, nutty flavor that completely transforms the taste of ordinary sugar cookies, adding depth and complexity that melted butter alone can’t provide.

Can I skip the glaze? Are the cookies still good?

Yes! The cookies are deliciously rich and soft on their own, but the vanilla bean glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that really makes them special.

How do I avoid cookies spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough balls for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading. Also, using parchment paper or silicone mats keeps the bottoms from sticking and browning unevenly.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to create personalized variations of the Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say these Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to sweet treats. The blend of nutty browned butter, soft sugar cookie base, and luscious vanilla glaze creates a cookie that feels both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it, and your friends and family will be asking for more!