Whole Foods has always been a sanctuary for those who cherish quality ingredients and the joy of cooking with them. When I first encountered their brown butter cookies, it was love at first bite. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter mingling with just the right amount of sweetness promised a recipe that begged to be shared. So, here I am, ready to guide you through the steps of making these irresistible Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookies that are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy evening at home or a grand holiday celebration.
Table of Contents
How to make Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookies
Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookies are a type of cookie sold at Whole Foods Market. They are known for their rich, nutty flavor derived from brown butter, which has been cooked until the milk solids turn brown. This process gives the cookies a deep, caramelized taste that differentiates them from regular butter cookies. The texture is often described as chewy yet tender, and they may sometimes include additional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or oats to enhance flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Brown Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, increase the heat and cook the butter, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully, as it can burn quickly. Remove the brown butter from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Wet Ingredients: Once the butter has cooled (it should be warm to the touch but not hot), add both brown and granulated sugars to it and beat until well combined. You can use a mixer or do it by hand with a whisk. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. (Optional) Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed.
- Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned but the center still looks slightly underdone.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Perfect Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookies:
- Browning the Butter: The key to browning butter is patience and attention. Watch it closely as its color changes, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a rich golden hue with brown flecks.
- Cooling the Brown Butter: Let the brown butter cool to just warm, not hot, to touch. Adding too hot to the sugars can melt the sugar and lead to greasy cookies.
- Measuring Flour: For the most accurate measurement, use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step, as this helps prevent the cookies from becoming too thin and controls spreading.
- Do Not Overbake: Whole Foods Brown butter cookies should be pulled from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the center.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect accompaniment to Whole Foods brown butter cookies can elevate your dessert experience, turning a simple cookie treat into a memorable delight. Given the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter cookies, you’ll want to pair them with something that complements their depth without overshadowing their taste. Here are some thoughtful pairing suggestions:
1. Beverages:
- Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee is a classic pairing with cookies. The bold, slightly bitter flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness and rich buttery taste. An espresso or a latte would work wonderfully.
- Milk: Sometimes, sticking to classics like a cold glass of milk with cookies is all you need. The creaminess of the milk complements the richness of the cookies, making it a hit, especially with the younger crowd or anyone who’s a kid at heart.
- Tea: A warm cup of black tea or chai can be a perfect match for tea lovers. These teas have strong flavors that can stand up to the richness of the cookies without overpowering them.
- Ice-Cold Nut Milk: For a dairy-free option, almond, cashew, or oat milk can offer a delightful nuttiness that echoes the brown butter’s flavor. Serving it cold also provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of freshly baked cookies.
2. Ice Cream:
Pairing cookies with ice cream either as a side scoop or making ice cream sandwiches can be a delightful treat. Vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice that blends well with the nutty, caramel-like flavors in the cookies. For something more adventurous, try salted caramel or butter pecan ice cream to enhance the brown butter notes.
3. Wine:
For a sophisticated twist, pair the cookies with a dessert wine like Port, Sauternes, or even a slightly sweet Riesling. The wine’s high notes will complement the cookies’ caramelized sugar flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
4. Cheese:
Pairing cookies with cheese might seem unconventional, but it can be a delightful surprise. Opt for milder cheeses that won’t overpower the cookies, such as Brie or Camembert. The creaminess of the cheese and the rich, buttery texture of the cookies make for an exquisite pairing.
5. Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries:
A tangy fruit compote or a selection of fresh berries can cut through the cookies’ richness, providing a refreshing contrast. Berries, with their slight acidity and sweetness, perfectly complement the depth of the brown butter.
6. Nuts and Dried Fruits:
Offering a side of roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) and dried fruits (apricots or cranberries) can be a great way to add texture and contrast. The nuts echo the nutty flavor of the brown butter, while the dried fruits offer a chewy, sweet element.
Ingredients Substitutes
When creating your version of Whole Foods brown butter cookies, you may want or need to substitute certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or availability. Here are some common substitutes for key components of a typical brown butter cookie recipe:
Brown Butter Substitutes:
- Ghee/Clarified Butter: If you don’t want to brown your butter, using ghee can provide a similar nutty flavor.
- Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute. Look for one with a similar fat content to regular butter to maintain consistency and richness. You’ll need to brown it similarly to regular butter, though keep in mind that the browning characteristics may differ.
Sugar Substitutes:
- Maple Syrup or Honey: If you need to replace granulated sugar, liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can be used, but do so sparingly and adjust the liquid content elsewhere in the recipe, as these will add moisture.
Egg Substitutes:
- Applesauce or Mashed Bananas: Either can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs. Use 1/4 cup per egg replaced for a light and moist cookie, but expect a slightly fruity taste.
Chocolate Chips and Chunks Substitutes:
- Nuts or Dried Fruits: If you prefer not to have chocolate or want to add a different texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, almonds or dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots.
- Vegan Chocolate: For those avoiding dairy, vegan chocolate chips or chunks are a suitable replacement and taste similar to traditional chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a guide to making these tantalizing brown butter cookies, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the delectable bliss that awaits you with every bite! Enjoy your homemade Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookies treats, which may just rival those you can find at Whole Foods.
More Cookie Recipes:
- Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (Without Brown Sugar)
- Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar
- Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
- Sunshine Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Brown Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, increase the heat and cook the butter, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully, as it can burn quickly. Remove the brown butter from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Wet Ingredients: Once the butter has cooled (it should be warm to the touch but not hot), add both brown and granulated sugars to it and beat until well combined. You can use a mixer or do it by hand with a whisk. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. (Optional) Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed.
- Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned but the center still looks slightly underdone.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
