Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Brown Butter Trash Can Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with a fun mix of crunchy and sweet mix-ins like wavy potato chips, pretzels, peanut butter M&M’s, and milk chocolate chips. The combination of salty and sweet creates an addictive cookie perfect for anyone craving a playful twist on a classic treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup cane sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix-Ins

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
  2. Mix Sugars and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with both the cane sugar and packed brown sugar. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time to ensure they incorporate fully, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is creamy and uniform.
  4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which may make the cookies tough.
  6. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the crushed wavy potato chips, crushed pretzels, mini peanut butter M&M’s, and milk chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Scoop and Bake: Roll the dough into balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that is key to this recipe’s rich taste.
  • Handle the dough gently when combining to keep cookies tender.
  • The mix of salty chips and pretzels with sweet candy and chocolate chips creates a perfect balance.
  • Use mini peanut butter M&M’s to avoid overly large chunks that may affect the cookie structure.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.