Techniques

Brown Butter

How to add a "nutty" flavor to recipes, sauces, and icings.

Brown Butter (Buerre Noisette) is a type of clarified butter cooked over low heat until it turns a beautiful amber brown color. Browning butter gives foods a "nutty" flavor which can be used in cakes, cookies, sauces, and icings.

  1. 1

    Place butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and slowly melt it over low heat.

  2. 2

    Continue to cook the butter until it’s melted, browned, and fragrant—usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Brown butter turns a deep amber color and has a “nutty” aroma.