Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies

Introduction:

These Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. Featuring a rich, nutty brown butter base and packed with crunchy potato chips, pretzels, and mini peanut butter M&M’s, these cookies are both chewy and crispy—a true treat for cookie lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup crushed wavy potato chips
• 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
• 1/2 cup mini peanut butter M&M’s
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

1. Brown the Butter:
   • In a medium pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix Sugars and Butter:
   • Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add the cane sugar and packed brown sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
4. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly tacky.
6. Add Mix-Ins:
   • Fold in the crushed potato chips, crushed pretzels, mini peanut butter M&M’s, and milk chocolate chips.
7. Scoop and Bake:
   • Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 to 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut Mix-ins: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Different Chips: Substitute with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
• Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt for added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Dough can be frozen in balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
• Reheating: Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   • It’s best to use unsalted butter for better control of the salt content in the recipe.
2. Can I substitute the cane sugar with granulated sugar?
   • Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for cane sugar.
3. What if I don’t have mini peanut butter M&M’s?
   • Regular peanut butter M&M’s or other types of candy can be used as a substitute.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Whole wheat flour can be used but it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
6. What is the purpose of browning the butter?
   • Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
8. What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
   • Chill the dough before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.
9. Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruit or coconut?
   • Yes, feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins to suit your taste.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
    • The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a mix of crispy and chewy textures. Perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings or impressing guests, these cookies are a fun and delicious treat that brings together unexpected ingredients in a wonderful way. Enjoy these delectable cookies fresh from the oven or stored for a sweet snack later!

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