Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Enhanced Flavor: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth that transforms the standard chocolate chip cookie into a gourmet delight.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a harmonious blend of crispy edges and a chewy center in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up a batch anytime.
- Versatility: Easily customizable with your favorite types of chocolate or added nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring continuously. Once it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Sugars and Browned Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are slightly soft.
- Optional Sea Salt Finish: Upon removing from the oven, sprinkle warm cookies with sea salt flakes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including chilling and multiple batches)
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- White Chocolate & Macadamia: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, place cookies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
How does browning the butter affect the flavor?
Browning butter enhances its flavor by adding a nutty, caramel-like depth, resulting in richer and more flavorful cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for thicker, chewier cookies, as it helps prevent spreading during baking.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips or chunks if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What type of salt is best for sprinkling on top?
Flaky sea salt is ideal for sprinkling, as it provides a subtle crunch and enhances the sweet flavors.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too flat?
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a gourmet twist on a classic treat, featuring rich, nutty flavors from browned butter and a perfect combination of chewy centers and crispy edges. This indulgent recipe is easy to make and perfect for cookie lovers seeking elevated flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring continuously. Once it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, transfer to a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Sugars and Browned Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix. - Fold in Chocolate:
Gently fold in chocolate chips and chunks. - Chill Dough:
Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended). - Preheat and Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Scoop and Bake:
Scoop dough into balls and place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers remain soft. - Optional Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle warm cookies with sea salt flakes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling dough enhances flavor and texture.
- Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized richness.
- For thinner cookies, skip chilling, but cookies may spread more.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
