If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your classic cookie game, this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Rich, buttery, and deeply nutty thanks to the browned butter, these cookies boast a perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures, studded with melty chocolate chips that bring pure joy in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet comes together with pantry staples, making it a winning treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward, but each one plays an indispensable role in creating the perfect cookie harmony. From the nutty depth of browned butter to the two types of sugars that enhance flavor and texture, every component is essential.
- 1 cup Butter (melted until an amber color with browned bits on the bottom of pan): This browned butter brings a rich, toasty flavor that sets these cookies apart from your average chocolate chip.
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (may use golden brown sugar): Provides moisture and a deep molasses taste for chewiness and complexity.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that delightful crisp edge.
- 2 large Eggs: They bind the dough and add structure and richness.
- 1 large Egg Yolk: Extra yolk adds chewiness due to its fat content.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm sweetness.
- 2 1/4 cup Flour: Gives the cookies their body and chew.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise, giving a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips (may use more and a combination of chopped up chocolate bars and chips): Chocolate melting pockets are the ultimate indulgence in each bite.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by melting your butter slowly in a pan over medium heat. Keep your eyes on it as it transitions from yellow to a rich amber color and you see those little brown flecks forming on the pan’s bottom. This process unlocks a deep, nutty flavor that will elevate your cookies from good to unforgettable. Once browned, let the butter cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with both dark brown sugar and regular sugar. Mix them until smooth, creamy, and well incorporated. The sugars dissolve into the butter, creating the perfect base for a chewy yet crisp cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, whisk in the two large eggs and the extra egg yolk, along with the vanilla extract. This mixture should become glossy and a bit thickened, promising great moisture and structure in your final cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures even distribution of your leavening and seasoning, so every bite tastes just right.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Avoid overmixing here—once the flour disappears, stop. This keeps your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in your chocolate chips (and any chopped chocolate bars, if you like a texture variation). This is where the dough truly starts to look irresistible.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best texture and flavor, chill your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading during baking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 9 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers still look a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool.
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the warm cookies right out of the oven. This simple touch heightens the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness for that perfect bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a rich scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cozy cup of coffee or chai. They make any snack or dessert feel like a special moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not create an elegant cookie platter with an assortment of your favorite chocolates and nuts? Or sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream for a decadent ice cream sandwich that’s bound to impress guests and loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their perfect chewy texture for up to 5 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container separated by parchment paper. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm the cookies slightly in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness and bring back the melty chocolate magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of browning it?
You can, but browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s the hallmark of this recipe. It’s well worth the extra step for that elevated taste.
Why use both brown and white sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor due to its molasses content, while white sugar helps give the cookies a crispy texture along the edges.
Can I substitute the flour for gluten-free flour?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose blend should work well, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture.
What’s the benefit of adding an egg yolk in addition to whole eggs?
The extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness because of its higher fat content, making your cookies irresistibly soft inside.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is crucial; it solidifies fats and reduces spreading. Also, avoid adding too much butter beyond what the recipe calls for.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a delicious twist on a beloved classic that will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s approachable yet impressive, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a moment of self-love. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies feature a rich, nutty flavor thanks to the browned butter, combined with a perfect balance of dark brown sugar and sugar for a chewy texture. Packed with melty chocolate chips, this classic treat is irresistible and easy to make, yielding 24 delicious cookies with a crisp edge and chewy center.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted until amber with browned bits)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (can substitute golden brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips (can use a mix of chopped chocolate bars and chips)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a rich amber color and you see browned bits forming at the bottom. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For best texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour to reduce spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking for chewy cookies.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use a combination of dark brown and golden brown sugar.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
- You can customize the chocolate with chopped chocolate bars or a blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To enhance softness, add an extra egg yolk if desired.
