Irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Melted butter carries an irresistible nutty flavor that elevates these brown butter chocolate chip cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The caramelized notes dance through each golden-edged treat, creating a rich and complex taste profile.

Browning butter unlocks deep, toasty undertones that traditional recipes can’t match.

Professional bakers swear by this technique for maximum depth and complexity.

Chocolate chips nestled throughout add pockets of molten sweetness that complement the brown butter’s warm essence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 23

Inside Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For Butter Base:
  • Brown Butter: Transforms ordinary butter into a golden, nutty flavor powerhouse that elevates the entire cookie experience.
  • Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, fresh butter for the most robust and clean browning process.
For Sweeteners and Binding:
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates complex sweetness and helps achieve the perfect chewy, caramelized cookie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the rich, soft cookie structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall warmth of the cookie's flavor profile.
For Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the cookie's delightful texture.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures proper rise and helps create a balanced, soft cookie.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the nuanced flavors of the browned butter.
  • Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks: Deliver pockets of melty, rich chocolate throughout the cookie.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Optional topping that adds a sophisticated, crunchy flavor contrast.

Tools That Help You Nail Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Large Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for browning butter smoothly and evenly.
  • Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
  • Hand or Stand Mixer: Essential for blending butter, sugars, and eggs thoroughly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
  • Rubber Spatula: Great for folding chocolate chips into cookie dough gently.
  • Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes and consistent shape.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cookie results.

Making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies With Deep Flavor

  • Butter Transformation

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, watching it dance and transform. Swirl continuously as golden waves develop and a rich, toasty fragrance fills your kitchen. The magical moment arrives when butter turns a gorgeous amber color with a mesmerizing nutty aroma. Quickly transfer to a mixing bowl to prevent burning.

  • Sugar Symphony

Once butter cools, blend brown and white sugars until they create a smooth, glossy mixture. Crack eggs into the bowl, introducing them one at a time while stirring. Add a splash of vanilla for extra warmth and depth.

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Gently whisk flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these powdery ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a silky dough. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated – no overzealous stirring allowed.

  • Chocolate Celebration

Sprinkle chocolate chips generously throughout the dough, ensuring every bite will be a delightful surprise. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and develop.

  • Baking Magic

Warm the oven to a cozy 350F. Scoop dough into round balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet. Bake until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft. A delicate sprinkle of sea salt adds a sophisticated finish.

  • Cookie Enjoyment

Allow cookies to cool briefly, then savor their crispy edges and gooey centers. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or share with friends for maximum happiness.

Variations That Work In Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Flavor Boosting Magic: Browned butter transforms these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a rich, nutty depth that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Refrigerate cookie dough up to 24 hours for intensified flavors and better texture – patience pays off in deliciousness.
  • Smart Substitution Strategy: Swap chocolate chips with butterscotch, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips for exciting flavor twists that keep everyone guessing.
  • Dietary Flexibility Heroes: Create gluten-free versions by using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy these decadent treats. Dairy-free bakers can replace butter with coconut oil for a similar rich profile.
  • Texture Perfection Tricks: For softer cookies, pull them out when centers look slightly underbaked. Want crispier edges? Flatten dough balls slightly before baking and extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Pro tip: Always use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent cookie texture.

Serving Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Warm And Gooey

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning dessert presentation.
  • Sweet Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside cold vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of milk, or a rich espresso to elevate the cookie experience with complementary flavors.
  • Gifting Gourmet Delight: Package cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a rustic ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or homemade treats that showcase your baking skills.
  • Dessert Bar Wow Factor: Create a cookie bar with different chocolate variations, allowing guests to mix and match these delectable brown butter chocolate chip cookies with other sweet bites.

How To Keep Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Fresh Longer

  • Smart Cookie Storage: Keep freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum flavor and softness.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for convenient baking within 3 months. Simply add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen state.
  • Refrigerator Strategy: Prepared dough can rest in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, allowing deep flavor development and enhanced texture before baking.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Allow cookies to cool completely before stacking to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp edges. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers when storing multiple cookies to prevent sticking.
Print
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Irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Brown butter chocolate chip cookies blend nutty, caramelized butter with classic chocolate chip goodness. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies a delightful treat for cookie enthusiasts seeking rich, complex flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup / 230 g / 8 oz unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup / 200 g brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup / 100 g granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups / 315 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup / 180 g semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup / 90 g dark chocolate chunks
  • flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Brown Butter Preparation: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it transforms into a golden-brown liquid with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat, transfer to a mixing bowl, and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Mixing Wet Ingredients: Combine cooled brown butter with brown and granulated sugars, whipping until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract, creating a rich, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Combining Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gently fold into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to preserve the dough’s tender texture.
  4. Chocolate Integration: Fold chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of sweet morsels.
  5. Chilling Process: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
  6. Preheating and Preparation: Warm oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie release.
  7. Shaping and Baking: Scoop dough into uniform portions, placing them generously spaced on prepared sheets. Bake until edges turn golden-brown and centers remain slightly soft, roughly 10-12 minutes.
  8. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over freshly baked cookies. Let cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  9. Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm for molten chocolate centers or at room temperature for a delightful chewy consistency.

Notes

  • Brown Butter Magic: Carefully monitor butter during browning to achieve nutty, caramel-like flavor without burning; remove from heat the moment it turns golden-brown.
  • Chill for Depth: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to develop richer flavor complexity and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  • Texture Control: Mix dry ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, soft cookie crumb; overmixing can result in tough, dense cookies.
  • Salt Elevation: Sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately after baking to enhance chocolate’s richness and create a sophisticated sweet-savory balance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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