Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Sofia Marten

Published •

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s a special magic that happens when butter gets a chance to transform. My brown butter chocolate chip cookies take that magic and bake it into every single bite. They’re rich, they’re tender, and that nutty depth from the browned butter is simply divine. It’s a simple trick that elevates this classic treat to something truly memorable.

These cookies have become a go-to in my kitchen, perfect for when that sweet craving hits or when unexpected guests pop by. They bake up beautifully golden, with just the right chewiness that keeps me reaching for another. Plus, they store wonderfully, if they even last that long!

Why I Love These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Truly, these cookies are a dream.
Why do I adore them so much?

  • The Flavor! Browned butter adds such depth.
  • They’re Quick. Perfect for a weeknight treat.
  • Simply Impressive. Guests always rave about them.
  • Pure Comfort. They taste like home.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

The secret to amazing cookies often lies in simple, quality ingredients. These come together so beautifully. It’s a symphony of flavor and texture.

Let’s talk about what makes these brown butter chocolate chip cookies so special:

  • Unsalted Butter: This is our star! Browning it unlocks a nutty, caramel-like flavor.
  • Light Brown Sugar: It brings moisture and chewy texture. Also, hints of molasses.
  • Granulated Sugar: This helps with crisp edges. It balances the chewiness nicely.
  • Large Eggs: They bind everything together. They also add richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer. It rounds out all the tastes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This forms the cookie’s structure. It’s the base of our dough.
  • Baking Soda: It helps cookies rise. This gives them a nice lift.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness. It makes flavors pop.
  • Chocolate Chips: Of course! The gooey, melty pockets of joy.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have light brown sugar? Dark brown sugar works too. It offers a deeper molasses flavor. White sugar can replace granulated, but the texture will be crisper. You can also mix in nuts alongside your chips. Remember, exact amounts are on the recipe card!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering your tools makes baking smoother.

  • Saucepan (light-colored is best)
  • Large heatproof bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper (or silicone mats)
  • Wire rack

A hand mixer is optional. A sturdy spoon works too.

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready to create these amazing cookies? Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps. You’ll have warm, gooey treats in no time. Making homemade cookies has never been simpler.

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your butter. Use a light-colored saucepan. Seriously, this helps you see the color change. Melt it over medium heat. Stir it often. Watch for it to turn a golden brown. It should smell wonderfully nutty. This takes about five to eight minutes. Remove it from the heat right away. Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool for ten to fifteen minutes. This step is key for that amazing flavor.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, add the sugars. Put the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the bowl with the butter. Whisk them together well. The mix might look a little grainy. That’s totally fine. Next, beat in the eggs. Add them one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract. You want a smooth, combined mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl. Whisk your flour, baking soda, and salt. These are your dry ingredients. Now, add them to the wet mixture. Do this gradually. Mix on low speed. Or, just use a sturdy spoon. Mix until they are just combined. It’s super important not to overmix. Overmixing makes tough cookies. Stop when you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Time for the best part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly spread. This adds those delicious chocolate pockets. Do this with a spatula or spoon. Just combine them into the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

This step makes a big difference. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough for at least thirty minutes. You can even chill it up to twenty-four hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much. This leads to a chewier cookie.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven. You want it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s about 190 degrees Celsius. Line your baking sheets. Use parchment paper. This stops them from sticking. It makes cleanup a breeze too.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough onto the sheets. Use a tablespoonful for each cookie. Leave about two inches between them. They will spread as they bake. Bake for nine to twelve minutes. You want golden brown edges. The centers should still look a little soft. Don’t overbake them! They’ll continue to cook on the sheet.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet. Give them about five minutes. This firms them up nicely. Then, carefully transfer them. Use a spatula to move them. Place them on a wire rack. Let them cool completely. This perfect cooling ensures the ideal texture.

How to Store Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store leftover brown butter chocolate chip cookies airtight. A cookie tin works well for counter storage. They stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freeze them. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Want perfectly chewy, flavorful cookies? Here are my top quick tips. They really make a difference with brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

  • Watch butter closely. Browning happens fast. Don’t walk away!
  • Chill the dough. This is key. It prevents flat cookies.
  • Use quality chocolate. Better chips mean tastier cookies.
  • Don’t overmix. Gentle folding is best.
  • Cool properly. Let them set on the pan first.

Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are wonderful for any occasion. Here are some ideas:

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a cold glass of milk.
  • Enjoy with hot coffee or tea.
  • Drizzle with a little extra melted chocolate.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

They make a perfect simple dessert.

Print
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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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  • Author: Sofia Marten
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling and baking)
  • Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A classic chocolate chip cookie recipe elevated with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or a mix)


Instructions

  1. In a light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. This usually takes 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and pour into a large heatproof bowl. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the browned butter. Whisk until well combined. The mixture will look grainy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  7. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours (chilling improves flavor and texture).
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Scoop dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  10. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Browning the butter is a crucial step for flavor; watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  • Chilling the dough is highly recommended for better texture and to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven and desired cookie doneness.

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