Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate classic treat—our Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe takes the humble chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level. The secret star here is the browned butter, which adds a deep, nutty richness that makes each bite irresistibly chewy and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a get-together, these cookies bring comfort and that wow factor every time you bake them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, yet carefully chosen to ensure every cookie is bursting with flavor and has just the right texture. Each one plays a vital role, from creating the perfect chew to delivering that crave-worthy sweetness and rich color.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Browning this butter intensifies its flavor and lends a nutty aroma that elevates your cookies.
• Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a delicious caramel undertone that complements the browned butter perfectly.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that slight crispy edge on the cookies.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the chewy cookie structure.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor depth with its warm, sweet notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of your cookie dough, offering structure and balance.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft and tender bite.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for contrast; it brightens the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• Chocolate chips (2 cups): Semi-sweet or dark, these luscious morsels bring gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): A finishing touch that enhances flavor complexity and adds a subtle crunch.

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, setting the stage for perfection.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep stirring as it transforms from melted to golden brown with a rich, nutty scent—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Watch carefully so it never burns. Taking this extra step turns an ordinary cookie into a flavor sensation.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Brown Butter

Transfer your brown butter to a large mixing bowl and blend in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use your preferred mixing method—whether electric mixer, stand mixer, or good old elbow grease with a whisk—until smooth and creamy. This blend guarantees your cookies will be perfectly sweet and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract for that warm, classic flavor boost we all love in chocolate chip cookies.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly and prevents clumps in your cookie dough.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended. Avoid overmixing, as this helps maintain that soft, chewy texture that makes your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stand out.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly spread throughout. This step ensures every bite is studded with melty chocolate goodness.

Step 8: Portion the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons—about 1.5 tablespoons if using a scoop—onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 9: Sprinkle Flaky Sea Salt

Before baking, lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This small touch elevates the overall flavor by balancing sweetness with a little savory crunch.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. This timing locks in that perfect chewy texture while creating crisp edges.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up just enough without losing their signature softness.

How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of additional flaky sea salt on warm cookies just before serving for an irresistible sweet-and-salty experience. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few crushed toasted nuts.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a rich cup of coffee. The creamy or robust flavors in the drinks complement the brown butter’s nutty notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies with a layer of peanut butter or salted caramel in the middle for a decadent treat. Or crumble them over yogurt or ice cream as a crunchy topping that bursts with buttery cookie flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe well beyond the baking day.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, then bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for 3-5 minutes to bring back their gooey softness. This little reheating trick revives the brown butter magic with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

What type of chocolate chips works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic for a balanced sweetness, but dark chocolate chips add a rich depth. Feel free to experiment with your preference; both work wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I know when the brown butter is ready?

You’ll see it turn a beautiful golden brown color and smell a delicious nutty aroma. Stir constantly and watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn—it should take about 5-7 minutes.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This won’t affect the flavor, just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

Why do the cookies need flaky sea salt on top?

The flaky sea salt gives an amazing contrast that brings out the sweetness and enhances the brown butter’s complexity. It’s a small detail with a big impact in flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the warm, nutty richness of a Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh from the oven. This recipe transforms a simple cookie into a comforting, crave-worthy delight that’s sure to become one of your favorites. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make memories with each delicious bite!

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