Description
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic favorite, featuring rich, nutty browned butter that adds depth and a subtle caramel flavor. Soft and chewy with perfectly crisp edges, these cookies are studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optionally topped with flaky sea salt for a delightful contrast. Perfect for any chocolate chip cookie lover seeking a gourmet homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
Sugar and Flavorings
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Eggs
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before use.
- Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the browned butter until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gradually mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle. Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, shape the dough into approximately 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving to enhance the flavor contrast.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter.
- Chilling the dough for longer (up to 24 hours) intensifies the flavors and improves texture.
- Substitute chocolate chips with chunks or your favorite chocolate for varied texture.
- Flaky sea salt garnish is optional but adds a sophisticated salty touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
