Start by placing the unsalted butter in a small sauce pot over medium heat. As it melts, keep a close eye on it. You want it to bubble gently without burning.
Stir the butter occasionally. You'll notice the color change: it will turn from yellow to a beautiful golden brown. This process is crucial as it develops that rich nutty flavor. It should smell deliciously nutty, not burnt!
Once the butter reaches a deep golden brown, take it off the heat and pour it into a bowl. Be sure to include all the bits at the bottom of the pot; they are packed with flavor. Let it cool in the refrigerator until it solidifies.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting, line several baking sheets with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking while baking.
After the brown butter has solidified, scrape it into an electric stand mixer bowl. Make sure to include those dark particles since they enhance the flavor.
Add the brown sugar to the bowl and beat on high for about five minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don’t worry if you still see a few small chunks of sugar; they’ll dissolve during baking.
Next, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and set the mixer to low. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
Slowly add in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; you want the dough to be smooth.
In a small bowl, add the granulated sugar for rolling. Using a 1 1/2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough into balls.
Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar to coat. Place them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Using the bottom of a drinking glass, gently press each cookie ball into a flat 1/2-inch disk. This helps them bake evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for golden edges and a slightly under-baked center for that perfect chewy texture.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen!