Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with classic chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:15:30.823Z

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with classic chocolate chips, creating a cookie that is soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a late-night snack!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
Chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges
Simple ingredients that make for a delightful treat
Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself

      

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a culinary treasure that transforms the flavor profile of any dish it graces. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids toast, creating a nutty aroma and a deeper flavor. This simple technique elevates the taste of chocolate chip cookies to a new level, offering a rich, caramel-like essence that perfectly complements the sweetness of chocolate. Once you try brown butter, you may find it hard to go back to regular butter in your baking.

Incorporating brown butter into your cookies not only enhances taste but also adds a beautiful complexity that delights the palate. The toasty notes mingle with the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. This cookie recipe allows you to experience the wonderful world of brown butter, making each bite a memorable treat.

Texture Perfected

Texture is crucial in cookie making, and this recipe strikes the ideal balance between chewy and crisp. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar contributes to a moist, chewy center, while the edges develop a slight crispness during baking. Achieving this perfect texture means you can enjoy the cookies fresh out of the oven, with a satisfying bite that holds its shape yet melts in your mouth.

The key to achieving the right texture lies in the baking time. Keeping a close eye on your cookies as they bake ensures that they come out of the oven at just the right moment. Allowing them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set up, enhancing their chewy nature while maintaining their delightful golden edges.

Simple Yet Satisfying Ingredients

One of the best aspects of this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can create a baked good that feels indulgent and special. The use of unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the cookies, while the blend of sugars provides depth and moisture.

These ingredients are easily accessible and often found in most kitchens, making this recipe a convenient choice for spontaneous baking cravings. Whether you're preparing for a family gathering or simply wanting to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies offer a quick and delicious solution without the need for complicated methods or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix well before baking for that perfect cookie consistency!

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix Sugars and Egg

In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in the brown butter and mix until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Once they are completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them.

To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy a cookie, simply thaw it at room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Customization Ideas

While this recipe is delicious as is, customization is part of the fun! Consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique twist.

For those who enjoy a little extra texture, try incorporating nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Don't hesitate to make this recipe your own by mixing in your favorite add-ins or adjusting the sweetness to your preference.

Perfect Pairings

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with a beverage can elevate your experience. A glass of cold milk is the classic choice, complementing the richness of the cookies while balancing their sweetness. The creamy texture of the milk enhances each bite, making it the perfect companion.

For a more adult pairing, consider enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious balance. Whether it's a casual snack or a special dessert, the pairing options are endless with these irresistible cookies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, the flavor will not be as rich as using real butter.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop and freeze them, then bake from frozen when ready.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips for a different flavor.