Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic treat to the next level by introducing the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter. The butter is carefully browned in a skillet, creating a deep, caramelized taste that adds complexity to the cookie dough.
Paired with the sweetness of chocolate chips, these cookies have a slightly chewy texture with crispy edges, making each bite irresistible. The combination of the toasty butter and traditional chocolate chips elevates the familiar chocolate chip cookie to something extraordinary. These cookies are perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat to enjoy anytime.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
The key ingredient, brown butter, adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the dough.
These cookies have a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, with the deep flavor of the brown butter complementing the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
The dough is often chilled before baking to intensify the flavors. Once baked, the cookies have a golden-brown color and a delightful, slightly caramelized taste.
They are perfect for any occasion, providing a unique take on a beloved treat.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the mixture until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies take the classic treat to a whole new level, offering a rich, nutty flavor that makes them irresistible.
Here’s a deep dive into how to perfect them, from browning the butter to elevating your presentation.
Brown butter is made by slowly cooking unsalted butter over medium heat until the milk solids turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This process enhances the depth of flavor, giving your cookies a toasty, caramelized note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Browning:
Let the butter cool for about 10–15 minutes before mixing it with sugar, or else it could melt your sugars and affect the cookie’s texture.
Chilling is key. After mixing your dough, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better. Chilled dough allows the flavors to meld and the butter to re-solidify, helping prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the brown butter flavor. Use kosher salt in the dough and sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top right before or after baking for a bakery-style touch.
Instead of basic chips, use chopped dark chocolate or a mix of dark and semi-sweet. This provides varying sizes of chocolate pockets, which melt differently and give each bite a unique experience. A few large chunks on top before baking can also make your cookies Instagram-worthy.
For a perfect texture:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake straight from the freezer (just add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time).
Master these tricks, and your brown butter chocolate chip cookies will rival those of any bakery—crispy, gooey, rich, and unforgettable.
