Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the wholesome goodness of oats. These cookies boast crispy edges and gooey centers, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. With a simple one-bowl method, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Let’s dive into the details of these scrumptious cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting hug in every bite. Here’s why you’ll adore brown butter oatmeal cookies: they have a rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter, a chewy texture thanks to the oats, and a perfect balance of sweetness. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, from chocolate chips to raisins, making them incredibly versatile. Plus, they’re easy to make in one bowl, which means less cleanup! The use of toasted butter oatmeal cookies elevates the flavor, while the crispy edges and soft centers create a delightful contrast. These cookies are truly a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup browned butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup mix-ins (optional: chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon chips, etc.)
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Step 2: Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper, set aside.
- Step 3: Cut butter into ½ “ cubes.
- Step 4: Put butter in a thick-bottomed pan (preferably in an even layer).
- Step 5: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: First, the butter will melt.
- Step 7: Then, it will begin to foam on top and start bubbling.
- Step 8: Next, it will start turning light brown with light brown flecks.
- Step 9: Then, it will start turning a darker brown, amber color. At this point, the butter is browned and cooking is complete.
- Step 10: As soon as the butter is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl or glass jar to cool and stop cooking. It should be amber in color with nice dark amber flecks throughout.
- Step 11: In a small bowl, combine flour, sea salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Step 12: In a large bowl, add the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar and stir to combine.
- Step 13: Then, add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated.
- Step 14: Add the dry mixture and stir to combine.
- Step 15: Stir in oats and chocolate chips (or your desired mix-ins).
- Step 16: Use a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to measure out portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all the dough is used.
- Step 17: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies just barely look set. They cook fast, so please watch them carefully.
- Step 18: Remove baked cookies from the oven and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt.
- Step 19: Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Use a thick-bottomed pan for browning butter, as it helps prevent burning.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Experiment with different mix-ins for a personalized touch, such as nuts or dried fruits.
- To achieve chewy brown butter cookies, slightly underbake them for a gooey texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over yogurt or ice cream as a topping. You can also make a cookie sandwich by adding your favorite frosting between two cookies. Each of these ideas enhances the experience of enjoying these crispy brown butter oatmeal treats.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This flexibility makes them perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies?
The key to perfect browned butter oatmeal cookies is ensuring the butter is browned just right, achieving that nutty flavor without burning it. Watch the color closely, and remember that the cookies will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I make Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls, pay attention to the browning of the butter and do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Also, remember that cookies will continue to cook after being removed from the oven, so aim for a slightly underbaked look.
Variations of Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies You Can Try
There are numerous delicious variations of these cookies to explore! For a healthier twist, consider making gluten-free brown butter oatmeal cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also add nuts for a nutty butter oatmeal cookie or use different spices to create unique flavors. Each variation offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe!
For more cookie recipes, check out Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. If you’re interested in meal prep, see our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe for an easy dinner option.
Print
Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies: 7 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bakery-quality Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies have a rich, nutty, caramel flavor, crisp edges, gooey centers and are easy to make in one bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup browned butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup mix-ins (optional: chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon chips, etc.)
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper, set aside.
- Cut butter into ½ “ cubes.
- Put butter in a thick-bottomed pan (preferably in an even layer).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- First, the butter will melt.
- Then, it will begin to foam on top and start bubbling.
- Next, it will start turning light brown with light brown flecks.
- Then, it will start turning a darker brown, amber color. At this point the butter is browned and cooking is complete.
- As soon as the butter is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl or glass jar to cool and stop cooking. It should be amber in color with nice dark amber flecks throughout.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, sea salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar and stir to combine.
- Then, add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry mixture and stir to combine.
- Stir in oats and chocolate chips (or your desired mix-ins).
- Use a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to measure out portions of dough, roll them into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all the dough is used.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies just barely look set. They cook fast, so please watch them carefully.
- Remove baked cookies from the oven and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt.
- Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies










