Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Homemade Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Magic

Warm, golden brown butter chocolate chip cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The nutty richness of brown butter adds incredible depth to these irresistible cookies.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers packed with melty chocolate chips.

Professional bakers have long known that browning butter creates a complex, caramel-like flavor that elevates simple cookie dough.

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make with just a few extra steps to transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The secret lies in carefully browning the butter until it develops a gorgeous amber color and intoxicating aroma.

  • Let brown butter cool completely before mixing to prevent scrambling eggs and ensure smooth, rich cookie texture.
  • Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to develop deeper flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Gently fold chocolate chips to avoid overmixing, which can toughen cookie dough.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set structure before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Vegan Butter Bliss: Replace butter with coconut oil and use vegan chocolate chips. Swap eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version that maintains the rich, nutty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Delight: Substitute wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious alternative.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture. Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to enhance the brown butter's depth.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's classic taste and texture.

Serving Brown Butter Cookies

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these brown butter chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting treat that enhances the rich, nutty flavor.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or cappuccino to complement the cookies' buttery sweetness and create a perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Transform these cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream between two cooled cookies for an extra special dessert experience.
  • Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package the cookies in a cute mason jar or vintage tin with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads joy.

Storing Brown Butter Cookies

  • Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
  • Stack cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for optimal texture.
  • Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This restores their crispy edges and soft centers.
  • Heat individual cookies for 8-10 seconds. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.

FAQs

  • What makes brown butter different from regular butter?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor by cooking butter until it turns golden-brown, creating deep caramel notes that enhance the cookie’s overall taste.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

  • Why do I need to refrigerate the cookie dough?

Chilling helps the butter solidify, prevents spreading during baking, and allows flavors to develop, resulting in a more compact and flavorful cookie.

  • How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

Look for a golden-brown color and a nutty, toasted aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter, which can create a bitter taste.

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms classic chocolate chip cookies into a gourmet experience.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfectly balanced texture with crispy edges and soft, chewy centers guarantees these cookies will be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
  • Customizable Creativity: Easy to personalize with different chocolate chip varieties or by adding nuts, making them adaptable to individual taste preferences.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a nutty brown butter base for the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a chewy, caramelized texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of rich chocolate flavor and melty texture throughout the cookies.

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended.

Set this magical mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Transform Butter into Liquid Gold

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Watch it foam and dance, then keep stirring until it turns a stunning golden-brown color.

Your kitchen will fill with a nutty, heavenly aroma.

Once achieved, remove from heat and let it cool down.

Step 3: Create Cookie Base Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with granulated and brown sugars.

Beat them together until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients Together

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill Cookie Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

This helps intensify the flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden edges with a soft, slightly gooey center.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before devouring these irresistible treats.

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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent brown butter chocolate chip cookies melt hearts with their rich, nutty essence and gooey chocolate chunks. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and deep caramel notes promise a luxurious treat that elevates classic comfort to pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (browned and cooled)
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
  2. Transform butter into rich brown butter by melting it over medium heat, stirring constantly until it develops a golden-brown hue and releases a nutty fragrance. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  3. Cream the cooled brown butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and well integrated, creating a uniform mixture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture. Carefully mix in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Chill the prepared dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring proper temperature for optimal cookie performance.
  8. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges while maintaining a soft, slightly underbaked center for maximum chewiness.
  10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and final texture development.

Notes

  • Browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates traditional chocolate chip cookies with complex caramel-like flavors.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too quickly and intensifies the brown butter’s taste profile.
  • Adjust chocolate chip quantity to preference, using high-quality dark or milk chocolate for enhanced richness.
  • For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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