Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a classic cookie to the next level, look no further than these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe transforms a beloved favorite into pure magic by drawing out deep, toasty flavors from browned butter, which mingle perfectly with sweet, melty chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each bite brings you perfectly chewy centers, crisp edges, and a rich aroma that will fill your kitchen and call everyone to the counter. Whether you want to impress at a bake sale, treat yourself after a long week, or just bake up a little nostalgia, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightfully irresistible comfort in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in a few simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a critical role: from the complexity of brown butter to the crunch of flaky sea salt. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each item is a must-have for these unforgettable treats.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter draws out nutty, caramel flavors that set these cookies apart from the rest.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, almost toffee-like sweetness to every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the perfect chewy-crisp texture and balances sweetness.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and bring a soft, rich crumb to the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with brown butter.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder; it creates just the right amount of heft and chewiness.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures every cookie bakes up tall and tender rather than dense and flat.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all those complex flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate puddles are a must for a classic cookie experience.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional): A pinch on top makes every bite burst with sweet-salty contrast and elevates the entire cookie.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
This is where the real flavor magic happens! Place the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt and begin to foam, stirring regularly to keep it moving. In about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice the butter turning a rich golden brown and taking on a deep, nutty aroma. The milk solids at the bottom will toast—watch them closely so they don’t burn! Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl right away so it stops cooking, then allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter
Once your brown butter has cooled just a bit, add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir with enthusiasm until the sugars are well incorporated and your mixture looks glossy and thick. This combo delivers that irresistible chewy edge you’ll love in these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, crack in your eggs one at a time, beating each in fully before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir. At this stage, you’ll notice your dough developing a luscious, almost caramel-like color, promising deep flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a new bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only guarantees even distribution but also helps avoid any pesky lumps in your dough. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—less is more for a tender crumb!
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly spread throughout the dough. Every scoop should promise plenty of gooey, chocolatey goodness—the hallmark of amazing Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl and let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight if you can wait!). The chilling process deepens the flavors, keeps the cookies thick, and helps those signature crispy edges develop.
Step 7: Prep and Bake
When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out generous, 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls—the dough will be fragrant and a little sticky. Space them 2 inches apart so they’ve got room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Finish and Cool
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top if you like. This brings a pop of flavor that beautifully contrasts the sweet, rich dough. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes–this helps them set–then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
A pinch of flaky sea salt just after baking takes these cookies from great to utterly unforgettable. For a festive touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Even a scattering of chopped toasted nuts can add extra crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
While Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are irresistible on their own, they pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee. For an indulgent dessert plate, serve them alongside a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries. For grown-ups, an espresso or a splash of Irish cream liqueur adds a super-special touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack them in pretty glass jars tied with ribbon or arrange them on a platter with a simple linen napkin. Make cookie sandwiches by filling two with a swirl of your favorite ice cream or buttercream. Or create a DIY cookie bar: pile up Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with various spreads, toppings, and sprinkles so everyone can craft their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days. Place a piece of bread inside the container to help keep them especially moist—they’ll thank you for it.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly both before and after baking. Freeze portioned, unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then place them in a zip-top bag—bake directly from frozen, just adding another couple of minutes to the bake time. For baked cookies, simply cool and freeze in a single layer, then store in a resealable bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. Warm cookies bring out all those melty chocolate chips and the rich aroma of brown butter all over again.
FAQs
What makes Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular ones?
It’s all about the brown butter! By gently toasting the butter, you unlock nutty, caramel-like flavors that give these cookies incredible depth and complexity. Once you try this version, plain butter just can’t compare.
Do I really need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling is worth every minute. It allows the dough’s flavors to meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much, leaving you with thick, chewy centers and crispy edges. Even an hour makes a big difference—overnight is even better.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Feel free to play with your chocolate choices. Dark chocolate makes the cookies slightly less sweet and more intense, while milk chocolate adds a creamy, extra-sweet twist. Use what you love or even try a mix for variety.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Watch for golden edges and centers that are just set but still slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, creating that perfect balance between crisp and chewy. Remember, don’t overbake—err on the side of slightly underdone for best results.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour for the regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together, and bake as directed. The results are just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one cookie recipe you keep in your back pocket, let it be these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re easy enough for weeknights, delicious enough for any celebration, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to anyone lucky enough to grab one off your baking sheet. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe—so go on, give them a try and watch the magic happen in your own kitchen!
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The perfect combination of chewy and crispy textures with a hint of sea salt on top.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan until golden brown and nutty, then cool.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine sugars with butter, add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, fold in chocolate chips. Chill dough.
- Bake: Preheat oven, scoop dough onto sheets, bake until golden. Top with sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture.
- For richer flavor, chill dough overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
