If you have a soft spot for cookies that are bursting with rich, nutty flavor and loaded with gooey chocolate, then you absolutely must try this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine the deep aroma of brown butter blending seamlessly with melty chocolate chunks, creating a cookie that’s crispy on the edges yet tender and chewy inside. These cookies take the classic chocolate chip to an entirely new level, making every bite feel like a cozy, indulgent hug. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will become your new go-to for homemade cookie perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe uses simple pantry staples that each play a crucial role in delivering fantastic flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. Every ingredient was chosen to enhance the nutty brown butter and luscious chocolate combo.
- Salted butter (10 tablespoons, 140g): Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that’s the star of this recipe.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups, 215g): Gives the cookies structure and just the right amount of chew.
- Baking soda (¾ teaspoon): Creates lightness and helps cookies spread evenly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
- Light brown sugar (⅔ cup, 145g): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses richness.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup, 65g): Helps with crisp edges and balances sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness for a tender crumb.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, 15ml): Adds slight moisture and helps create a creamy dough texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, 5ml): Rounds out flavors and brings warmth.
- Dark chocolate, coarsely chopped (3 oz, 85g): Offers intense bittersweet notes and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup, 85g): Classic chocolate flavor that melts to gooey perfection.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing touch that balances sweetness and heightens flavor complexity.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the salted butter over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure it cooks evenly. As it melts, the butter will transform from yellow to golden brown, releasing a heavenly nutty aroma that signals you’re on the right track. Be vigilant here to avoid burning. Once browned, remove from heat immediately to preserve that rich flavor—this simple step is what elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the butter cools slightly, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for uniform texture and balanced taste in every cookie.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, combine your warm brown butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars. Stir thoroughly until the mixture resembles thick wet sand. This step is crucial because the sugar crystals begin to dissolve slightly in the warm butter, creating a perfectly textured base for your dough.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Gently stir in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Aim to mix just until creamy—overmixing can break down the butterfat emulsion and impact cookie texture. This gentle approach helps your cookies stay tender and moist.
Step 5: Fold in Flour and Chocolate
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding carefully until just combined. Next, fold in the coarsely chopped dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips with tender care. This ensures you get luscious pockets of melted chocolate without overworking the dough, which can lead to dense cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling period is not just for convenience—it allows the flavors to marry beautifully and limits spread during baking, giving you thick, chewy cookies with perfect texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop evenly sized portions of dough onto your sheet with space between them. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are caramelized and golden, but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them set to the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop warm cookies just before serving adds delightful contrast, sharpening the sweet and nutty notes. For an extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate or add a few extra chocolate chips while the cookies are still warm to create oozing, dreamy bites.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For adults, serving them alongside a creamy dessert wine or smooth coffee liqueur can create a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an instant crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, crumble these cookies over bowls of ice cream or yogurt for a textured dessert topping that delivers chocolatey goodness with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture balance, preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze shaped dough balls before baking, making it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
Warm cookies in a low oven (around 300°F, 150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them briefly (15 seconds) to regain that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate effect. They’ll taste just like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
What makes brown butter different in cookies?
Brown butter is cooked until the milk solids caramelize, creating a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to cookies, making them more flavorful than those made with regular melted butter.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you should add a pinch more salt to the recipe to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling solidifies the fats, helping the cookies hold their shape and preventing too much spread. It also improves flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.
Can I substitute the chocolate types?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or your favorite mix, but keep in mind that dark and semisweet chocolates offer the best balance with brown butter’s richness.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want tender, chewy results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cookies that genuinely wow and comfort all at once, this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your answer. The combination of toasted, buttery goodness and melty chunks of chocolate is pure joy baked into every bite. Go ahead and make a batch — I promise you’ll want to share just so you get to savor a few yourself!
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 14 cookies 1x
Description
Deliciously rich and nutty Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies featuring a golden brown butter base, a perfect blend of light and dark chocolate, and a chewy center with caramelized edges. These cookies are chilled before baking to enhance flavor and texture, resulting in an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 10 tablespoons (140g) salted butter
- ⅔ cup (145g) light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (215g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
Chocolate
- 3 oz (85g) dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup (85g) semisweet chocolate chips
Optional Topping
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the salted butter over medium heat while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat promptly once browned.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, stir the warm browned butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture has the texture of thick wet sand.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gently incorporate the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until creamy, being careful not to overbeat to maintain the emulsion of butterfat.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate: Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Then gently fold in the coarsely chopped dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips, taking care not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This step helps meld flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop the chilled dough onto the sheet, spacing the cookies evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden and edges caramelized but centers remain soft. Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to watch the butter closely during browning to avoid burning, which will impart a bitter taste.
- Refrigerating the dough helps control spreading and improves texture.
- Using a combination of dark chocolate chunks and semisweet chips provides depth of flavor.
- Flaky sea salt on top adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Do not overmix the dough once adding flour to maintain tender cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
