Sweet, nutty, and full of caramel flavors, browned butter is a quick and easy way to elevate your favorite treats using ingredients and tools you already have at home.
Slice the room-temperature butter into 1/2" thick pieces.
Place the butter into a small, light-colored saucepan. Place over low-medium heat.
Cook, stirring regularly until the butter melts, the solids separate and the mixture develops a foam.
Stirring constantly, continue cooking until golden brown bits form in the bottom of the pan and the butter gives off a nutty aroma.
Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl.
Notes
Start with room temperature butter: This reduces the splatter and helps it melt more evenly.
Bringing cold butter to room temperature: One of the easiest methods is to cut it into 1/2" cubes and leave it on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
Use a light-colored pan: This will ensure you can see the butter browning.
Pay close attention: Cooking butter produces a froth that can be hard to gauge doneness through and goes from unbrowned to completely burned in a surprisingly short amount of time. Keeping a close eye on it will help you catch it at the right time.
Cook at low-medium heat: Browning butter at a lower temperature can help it cook more evenly and reduce its chances of burning.