Name: Brown Butter Cardamom Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 157 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 ½ cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp cream of tartar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; 2 ¾ cups flour; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ tsp cinnamon

Browned Butter & Cardamom Sugar Cookies are a delicious and unique twist on the classic sugar cookie! These browned butter cookies have a rich, nutty flavor & a warm, spicy kick from the cardamom.

cinnamon brown butter cardamom cookies on a circle plate

This easy sugar cookie recipe consists of browning and chilling the butter, whipping up a simple sugar cookie dough, and baking to perfection! This results in cardamom cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a delicious blend of flavors that is sure to please.

What are Browned Butter & Cardamom Sugar Cookies

The origins of this flavor combination are not entirely clear, many believe it to have originated in Scandinavia, where cardamom is a commonly used spice in baking. Browned butter is a more recent addition to the baking world. It is believed to have been popularized in the United States, and it has now become a staple in many kitchens around the world.

The combination of browned butter and cardamom in sugar cookies is a perfect example of how traditional flavors can be combined in new and exciting ways. The nutty, caramelized flavor of the browned butter pairs perfectly with the warm, spicy flavor of the cardamom, creating a cookie that is both familiar and unexpected. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, these Browned Butter & Cardamom Sugar Cookies are a great recipe to try. So why not give them a try and see for yourself how delicious they can be?

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of browned butter and cardamom creates a rare and delicious flavor that is sure to impress. The nutty and rich taste of browned butter pairs perfectly with the warm and aromatic spice of cardamom.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that is irresistible. The addition of brown sugar in the recipe helps to keep the cookies moist and tender, while the cardamom adds a slight crunch.
Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a dessert to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to please.

sugar cookies made with brown butter and spiced with cardamom

Ingredients for Cardamom Sugar Cookies

Butter: You will need 1 cup of butter to give these cookies a wonderful rich flavor.

Sugar: Add 1 ½ cups of sugar to the dough for sweet and chewy treats.

Eggs: To bind the ingredients together well, add 2 eggs to the dough.

Cream of tartar: Using 1 tsp of cream of tartar will give the cookies a nice crispy and chewy texture.

Baking soda: The leavening agent in this recipe is 1 tsp of baking soda.

Cardamom: Adding 1 tsp of ground cardamom (or cinnamon) will give these cookies amazing flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhance the taste of these treats by adding in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Salt: To balance the sweetness, use ¼ tsp of salt in this cookie dough recipe.

Flour: You need 2 ¾ cups of flour for the base of this dough.

Sugar & cinnamon topping: Use ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ tsp of cinnamon to create a sweet coating for the cookie dough prior to baking.

How to make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Brown butter

In a small heavy saucepan, heat and stir the butter over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until the butter turns light brown. Then pour it into a large bowl; cover and chill for 30 minutes, stirring once about 15 minutes into the chilling process.

Dough

In a large bowl, beat the browned sugar with an electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. Next, add the 1 ½ cup of sugar and mix to combine. After that, beat in the eggs, cream of tartar, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.

Proceed to mix in as much of the flour you can with the electric mixer. Then use a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour.

Cover the bowl and chill the dough for about 2 hours or until the dough is easy to handle.

how to make brown butter cardamom cookies

Bake

Once the dough has chilled, get the oven preheating to 375°F. Then, in a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Grab the dough from the fridge and begin to shape it into 1-inch size balls. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheets.

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Let them cool on the cookie sheets for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Variations of Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

Browned butter sugar cookies are a delicious treat that can be customized in many ways. Here are a couple of variations to try:

Chocolate Chip: For a chocolate twist on the classic browned butter sugar cookie, add in some chocolate chips to the dough. The rich, nutty flavor of the browned butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips.

Lemon: For a tangy and refreshing variation, add lemon zest and juice to the dough. The bright citrus flavor complements the nutty flavor of the browned butter.

brown butter cardamom cookies on a cooling rack

How long are Browned Butter Cookies good for?

These sugar cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How does browned butter enhance the flavor of sugar cookies?

Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to sugar cookies that regular melted butter cannot achieve. The browning process causes the milk solids in the butter to caramelize, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. This flavor is then infused into the cookie dough, giving it a unique and delicious taste.

What is the difference between using melted butter and browned butter in cookie dough?

Melted butter is simply butter that has been heated until it turns into a liquid. Browned butter, on the other hand, is melted butter that has been cooked until the milk solids turn brown. This process adds a distinctive nutty flavor and aroma to the butter, which is then incorporated into the cookie dough. Browned butter also has a slightly different texture than melted butter, which can affect the texture of the finished cookies.

Can cardamom be used in place of traditional spices?

Yes, cardamom can be used as a substitute for traditional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in sugar cookie recipes. Cardamom has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with sugar cookies. However, it is important to note that cardamom has a strong flavor, so it should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors in the cookie dough.

How can almond flavor be incorporated into cardamom sugar cookies?

Almond extract can be added to the cookie dough to give it an almond flavor that complements the cardamom. Start with a small amount of almond extract and adjust to taste. Alternatively, chopped almonds can be added to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Browned Butter & Cardamom Sugar Cookies are a delicious and unique twist on the classic sugar cookie! These browned butter cookies have a rich, nutty flavor & a warm, spicy kick from the cardamom.

Try more of our favorite holiday recipes here:

Browned Butter & Cardamom Sugar Cookies are an incredible and festive twist on the traditional sugar cookie. These browned butter cookies have a warm, rich and, nutty flavor, they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges and family get togethers!

BROWNED BUTTER & CARDAMOM SUGAR COOKIES

📫 Save this recipe! Send it to your email! 📩