Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic cookie to the next level with rich, nutty brown butter and gooey chocolate chips. The deep caramel-like flavor from browned butter adds warmth and complexity, making these cookies irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some dough for later, these cookies will become your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Deep, Caramelized Flavor
Browning the butter gives these cookies a rich, nutty, and slightly caramel-like taste that takes them to the next level. It enhances the overall depth of flavor compared to regular chocolate chip cookies.
2. Bakery-Style Chewy Texture
With the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies have a crisp outer edge while staying soft and gooey in the center. Chilling the dough helps develop the ideal chewiness.
3. Simple Yet Elevated
Although browning butter adds an extra step, the rest of the recipe follows classic cookie-making techniques—mix, chill, and bake. The added effort results in bakery-quality cookies right at home.
4. Even More Flavor Over Time
Refrigerating the dough for a few hours (or even overnight) enhances the flavor, allowing the nutty butter and vanilla to meld beautifully. The wait is worth it for the best-tasting cookies!
5. Customizable to Your Taste
Want to switch things up? Add flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-savory contrast, mix in different types of chocolate, or throw in some toasted nuts for extra crunch. These cookies can be tailored to your preference!
Ingredients for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice flavor
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling before baking)
These simple ingredients create cookies with deep, rich flavors and the perfect chewy texture!
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown the Butter
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix and Fold in Chocolate
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for extra gooey goodness.
- Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes for the best texture.
- Bake to Perfection
- Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Tips for the Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Let the Brown Butter Cool Before Mixing
Browning the butter is essential for developing a deep, nutty flavor, but using it while it’s still too hot can lead to issues. If the butter is too warm, it can melt the sugar too quickly and cause the dough to become greasy. Let it cool for at least 5–10 minutes before mixing with the sugar.
2. Use High-Quality Chocolate for the Best Flavor
Chocolate is one of the stars of this recipe, so opt for high-quality chocolate chips or, even better, chopped dark chocolate. Chopped chocolate melts into the dough, creating delicious pools of chocolate in every bite.
3. Chill the Dough for Maximum Flavor and Texture
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) is key. It allows the flavors to develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. The longer the dough chills, the deeper the flavor!
4. Measure Your Flour Correctly
Too much flour can make cookies dry, and too little can make them spread too much. For accuracy, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag.
5. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
6. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Baking
A cookie scoop ensures all cookies are the same size, allowing them to bake evenly. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon to portion out the dough.
7. Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt Before Baking
A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie enhances the sweetness and richness of the brown butter, creating a perfect sweet-savory contrast.
8. Bake One Test Cookie First
Oven temperatures can vary, so if you’re unsure about the baking time, bake a single test cookie first. This lets you adjust the baking time, temperature, or dough consistency if needed.
9. Let Cookies Rest on the Baking Sheet
Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The residual heat will finish baking them, ensuring a chewy center.
10. Store for Later (or Freeze the Dough!)
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container, but if you want to make the dough ahead, you can freeze it. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time—no need to thaw!
Creative Variations
1. Espresso Brown Butter Cookies
Enhance the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with a subtle coffee twist.
- Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a deeper, bolder chocolate flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chunks to complement the coffee notes.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
2. Nutty Twist
For a crunchier texture and extra depth of flavor, add nuts to the mix.
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- Toast the nuts beforehand for an even richer taste.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a gourmet touch.
3. White Chocolate & Macadamia Brown Butter Cookies
A delicious twist on a classic, this version blends the creaminess of white chocolate with buttery macadamia nuts.
- Swap dark or milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks.
- Mix in ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts for a nutty crunch.
- Top with a light dusting of coconut flakes for extra texture.
4. Cinnamon Spice Brown Butter Cookies
Add warm, comforting flavors with a touch of spice.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
- Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-inspired twist.
5. Salted Caramel Brown Butter Cookies
A decadent take on a classic, perfect for caramel lovers.
- Fold in ½ cup of soft caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over baked cookies.
- Use dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for the perfect salty-sweet combination.
6. S’mores Brown Butter Cookies
Bring campfire flavors into your cookies with this fun variation.
- Mix in crushed graham crackers for a crunchy texture.
- Stir in mini marshmallows and milk chocolate chunks.
- Broil for 30 seconds after baking to slightly toast the marshmallows.
7. Double Chocolate Brown Butter Cookies
For serious chocolate lovers, double up on the chocolate.
- Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, fudgy flavor.
- Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
- Top with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate or cacao nibs for extra indulgence.
These creative variations let you customize brown butter chocolate chip cookies to suit any taste. Whether you love coffee, nuts, spices, or extra chocolate, there’s a version for everyone!
Serving Suggestions
- With a Glass of Milk
Nothing beats the classic combination of warm cookies and cold milk. - As an Ice Cream Sandwich
Scoop vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat. - Dipped in Chocolate
Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let them set for an extra layer of flavor. - Crumbled Over Desserts
Sprinkle crumbled cookies over yogurt, oatmeal, or a scoop of ice cream.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies take a beloved classic and elevate it with a rich, nutty depth of flavor. Whether you make a batch for yourself or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and discover why browned butter makes all the difference!
Try this amazing dessert next: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole!
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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic cookie to the next level with rich, nutty brown butter and gooey chocolate chips. The deep caramel-like flavor from browned butter adds warmth and complexity, making these cookies irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some dough for later, these cookies will become your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice flavor
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling before baking)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix and Fold in Chocolate
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for extra gooey goodness.
- Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes for the best texture.
- Bake to Perfection
- Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before enjoying.