Description

Crisp on the edges and chewy in the center, these brown butter chocolate chip cookies offer a deep, nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the classic recipe. They are easy to make, freeze well, and are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the foam subsides, brown bits form at the bottom, and a nutty aroma develops (about 10 minutes). Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl and cool to room temperature.
In a stand mixer or bowl, beat the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides.
Beat in eggs one at a time until combined, then mix in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips by hand with a spatula.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to chill.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon dough balls onto sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers look slightly underbaked. Rotate pans halfway through.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and enhance flavor. Brown butter must be cooled to room temperature before mixing with sugar to avoid melting it. For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure flour. Cookies can be frozen as dough balls and baked straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 120
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, homemade cookies, baking, dessert, easy cookies, chewy cookies