Brown Butter Syrup for Coffee

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Brown butter syrup is a simple homemade recipe that adds rich flavor to coffee, pancakes, waffles, and more. Made with just butter, brown sugar, water, and vanilla, it comes together quickly and stores well in the fridge. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your morning routine or add something special to brunch, this syrup is a great place to start.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own brown butter syrup for coffee from scratch. It’s simple to prepare and adds an irresistible depth to your coffee. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or looking to elevate your regular coffee, this syrup is the perfect addition to your morning routine.

Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Syrup for Coffee

• Rich and Nutty Flavor: The browned butter creates a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Perfect for Coffee: It’s a great alternative to store-bought syrups, offering a more sophisticated and homemade flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this syrup in under 15 minutes!
• Versatile: While perfect for coffee, this syrup can also be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and more.

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Supplies You Need

To make brown butter syrup for coffee, you’ll need the following supplies:

Syrup Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Essential Tools:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan for even browning
• Glass bottle for storing
• Fine mesh strainer to remove solids

Click to shop and get everything you need to create this rich, toasty syrup!

How to Make Brown Butter Syrup for Coffee

Step 5: Simmer the Syrup

Let the syrup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup should thicken to a consistency that’s perfect for drizzling over coffee or other treats. Keep in mind that the syrup will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once the syrup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool before transferring it to a clean bottle or jar. The syrup will keep for up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

The first time out of the fridge, strain the solids—after that, it’ll be smooth with just flecks of browned butter.

How to Use Brown Butter Syrup for Coffee

Now that your brown butter syrup is ready, it’s time to add it to your coffee! Here’s how you can incorporate it into your morning routine:

1. Add it to Your Brewed Coffee: For a sweet, nutty twist on your regular cup of coffee, simply stir in 1-2 tablespoons of syrup into your hot coffee. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
2. Make a Brown Butter Latte: For a creamier option, add the syrup to your milk before frothing it. Combine it with your espresso to make a delicious brown butter latte.
3. Drizzle Over Iced Coffee: This syrup works perfectly in iced coffee as well! Add it to your iced coffee for a sweet and rich flavor.
4. Serve with Desserts: While this syrup is amazing in coffee, you can also drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or even vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

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Tips for the Best Brown Butter Syrup

• Use Unsalted Butter: We recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you use salted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe.
• Don’t Rush the Browning Process: Browning butter takes a bit of patience. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and make sure to remove the butter from the heat as soon as it reaches a golden brown.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness. If you like a more subtle flavor, reduce the sugar slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use This Syrup for Other Drinks?

Yes! While it’s great in coffee, you can also use this brown butter syrup in tea, hot chocolate, or even cocktails for a unique twist. The syrup adds a rich, comforting flavor to any beverage.

How Long Will the Syrup Keep?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this syrup will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Make sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.

Can I Make This Syrup Without Vanilla Extract?

While vanilla adds a lovely depth to the flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a more straightforward brown butter taste. You can also try adding a splash of maple syrup or cinnamon for a different twist.

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Flavor Variations

• Maple Brown Butter Syrup: For a maple twist, add 1/4 cup of maple syrup to the brown butter mixture. This creates a rich maple-butter flavor perfect for fall or winter.
• Spiced Brown Butter Syrup: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the syrup while it simmers for a spiced version that pairs perfectly with autumn beverages.
• Chocolate Brown Butter Syrup: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a decadent, chocolatey twist.

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Ready to make your own batch?
This brown butter syrup is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Sweet, cozy, and endlessly versatile—it’s perfect for slow mornings or special treats. Be sure to save or print the recipe below so it’s always on hand when you need a little extra comfort in your cup.

Brown Butter Syrup For Coffee

Yield: 2 1/2 Cups

Total Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until it foams, turns golden, and smells nutty. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Syrup: In a separate saucepan, simmer sugar and water until fully dissolved and slightly thickened (3–5 min).
3. Combine: Stir browned butter into sugar mixture until smooth and rich.
4. Finish: Add vanilla and simmer 2–3 more minutes until syrupy.
5. Cool & Store: Let cool, then pour into a jar. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Strain Once Cooled. Once your syrup has cooled, strain it to get a smooth consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 40 Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 55Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 0g

Final Thoughts

Making your own brown butter syrup for coffee is an easy way to elevate your morning routine and add a touch of indulgence to your day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a syrup that adds rich, nutty, and sweet flavors to your coffee, desserts, and more.

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply enjoy experimenting with flavors, this syrup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let the warm, comforting taste of brown butter syrup transform your daily cup of coffee into something extraordinary.