If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, this brown butter version is next-level. These cookies are rich, chewy, and deeply flavorful, thanks to the nutty depth of browned butter and the perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey centers. After just one bite, you’ll see why these are one of the best cookies I’ve ever made.
What makes these cookies so special? The magic is in the brown butter, which gives them a caramelized, toffee-like flavor that pairs perfectly with melty chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Chilling the dough enhances the taste even more, making every bite unforgettable. Let’s get into how to make them!
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Dark brown sugar – 1 ¼ cups, packed
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2 large, room temperature
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups (280g)
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Espresso powder – 1 teaspoon (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – 1 ½ cups
- Flaky sea salt – for sprinkling
Main Ingredient Breakdown
Brown Butter – The Game Changer
Browning butter adds depth and richness that regular butter just can’t match. It enhances the toffee, caramel, and nutty flavors in the cookies, making them taste gourmet.
Dark Brown Sugar for Chewiness
Using more brown sugar than white sugar creates extra chewiness and a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly until it starts to foam and turn golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes).
- Immediately pour into a large mixing bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter, whisking until smooth.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underbaked.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Brown Butter Cookies
- Don’t skip chilling – It develops flavor and prevents spreading.
- Use chopped chocolate for pockets of melty goodness instead of just chips.
- Slightly underbake for that perfect soft and chewy center.
- Rest the dough at room temp for 20 minutes if too hard to scoop after chilling.
FAQ
Why brown the butter?
Browning butter creates rich, nutty, and caramelized flavors that elevate the cookies to another level.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Technically, yes—but your cookies will spread more and won’t be as chewy or flavorful. Chilling is worth it!
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze the dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are next-level delicious and guaranteed to become a favorite! Give them a try, and let me know what you think. 😊🍪
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 280 grams, best to weigh flour to not over pack. if you don't weigh it, gently spoon it into the measuring cup so you don't add too much
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chip I do 1 cup chips and 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks chopped from a bar
- flakey sea salt for topping
Instructions
Brown the butter
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently. The butter will foam, then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Once brown bits form at the bottom, remove from heat and let cool slightly1 cup unsalted butter
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt
Cream the Sugars:
- In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Let cool for a minute, then whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla.1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine:
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate.1 1/2 cups chocolate chip
Chill the Dough:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best flavor and texture).
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place on the sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.flakey sea salt for topping
Cool & Enjoy:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container!
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