Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups! Ever since I first made them, I’ve been hooked. The combination of that nutty, caramel flavor from brown butter with the rich, sweet creaminess of dulce de leche is nothing short of heavenly. Seriously, if you’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying brown butter cookies, you are in for a treat.
I still remember the first time I attempted making these cookies. It was a chilly afternoon, and I was looking for a cozy baking project to warm up the house. Little did I know that not only would my kitchen smell divine, but I would also have a batch of these indulgent little cookie cups that disappeared faster than you could say “dulce de leche”! They make the perfect treat for get-togethers, but honestly, they’re also great for a movie night at home when you just want something sweet to snack on.
What’s in Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups?
– Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show! Browning the butter brings out a beautiful nutty flavor that makes these cookie cups so special.
– All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our dough, helping to give the cookie cups that perfect chewy texture.
– Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
– Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
– Brown Sugar: The key to that rich, caramel-like flavor! I always pack it for that extra sweetness.
– Granulated Sugar: This adds a little additional sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
– Large Egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
– Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cookies.
– Dulce de Leche: The pièce de résistance! It adds a creamy, sweet center that takes these cookie cups over the top.
– Sea Salt Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for that delightful saltiness that complements the sweet caramel.
Is Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups Good for You?
Now, let’s be honest—these cookie cups are a treat, and like all treats, they should be enjoyed in moderation. But let’s chat about what’s in them:
– Brown Butter: Rich in flavor, it also contains antioxidants and can improve your heart health, thanks to the healthy fats in butter. Just remember to enjoy every bite!
– Dulce de Leche: While this is definitely on the sugary side, it does bring a delightful mix of calcium from milk-based products. Just try not to eat it straight from the jar!
– Flour and Sugar: Classic cookie ingredients—keep in mind that these provide energy but should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
This treat is indeed a bit decadent, but indulging every now and then is what life is all about, right?
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
– Sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional)
*Servings: Makes about 12 cookie cups.*
How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin. Just a little non-stick spray or butter will do; we don’t want our cookie cups to get stuck!
2. **Brown the Butter**: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Don’t walk away, or you might end up with burnt butter!
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: While that’s cooling, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set it aside for now.
4. **Combine Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and that lovely brown butter until everything is well combined—it’ll be a bit glossy!
5. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth mixture. This step smells divine, let me tell you!
6. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. (A little bit of flour should show—overmixing is a no-no!)
7. **Fill the Muffin Tin**: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cup of the muffin tin. Don’t forget to use the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each one.
8. **Add Dulce de Leche**: Gently fill each indent with about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche. Don’t be shy; you want that gooey goodness!
9. **Bake**: Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the centers are just set.
10. **Cool Down**: Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack. They’re delicate little gems, so be gentle!
11. **Serve**: Before diving in, sprinkle a touch of sea salt flakes on top if you wish. It really elevates the flavor.
Sweet Tips for Sweet Treats
– These cookie cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If they last that long!
– Feel free to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of additional dulce de leche for a double dose of indulgence. It’s like a little party for your taste buds!
– If you find yourself in the mood for variation, try adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Trust me, they will be a hit with anyone who gets their hands on them. Let me know how your batch turns out—happy baking!
