Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly something special. The secret? Browning the butter! This simple technique adds a nutty depth that elevates your classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You can bake these cookies for a weeknight treat or make them for celebrations. No matter the occasion, they’ll always be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, and these are even more delicious with that brown butter twist.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can chill the dough for later baking or freeze the baked cookies for a sweet surprise anytime.
• Irresistible flavor: The nutty aroma of browned butter combined with gooey chocolate chips creates a heavenly taste.
• Perfectly chewy texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance between crispy edges and soft centers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients for these delightful cookies. Just some simple, wholesome pantry staples will do! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chocolate chunks
• Flaked sea salt (optional garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for different tastes.
• Mix in spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it festive: Add colorful sprinkles or seasonal flavors like peppermint during holidays.

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning your butter. This process transforms it from simply melted butter into rich, nutty goodness. Heat it over medium heat until it melts and starts bubbling. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and smells divine. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 2: Cool the Butter

Once browned, transfer the butter to a large bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is important as adding hot butter directly to your dough can cook the eggs too quickly.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

While your butter cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick while baking. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will help create that perfect cookie texture.

Step 4: Mix It Up

Using a stand mixer or electric beaters, combine the cooled brown butter with both sugars until smooth. Then add in the vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. This helps keep your dough fluffy!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate those dry ingredients! Gradually add them to your wet mixture and beat until everything is well combined. Finally, fold in those luscious chocolate chips and chunks by hand for an even distribution of gooey goodness.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Scoop out generous amounts of dough—about 4 tablespoons each—onto your prepared baking sheets. I love using an extra-large cookie scoop for this! Bake them for 11-12 minutes until they look puffy and slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

If you’d like that hint of sea salt on top, sprinkle flaked sea salt immediately after pulling them from the oven! Let your cookies cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

And there you have it—delicious Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ready to enjoy! They’re perfect with a glass of milk or just on their own as a sweet treat. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is all about little tricks that make a big difference! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise.

• Don’t skip the browning process: Browning the butter not only adds a nutty flavor but also enhances the overall aroma of your cookies. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

• Chill your dough: For an even richer flavor and chewier texture, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It also helps prevent spreading.

• Measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to fluff up the flour in its container before scooping it into your measuring cup. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with dry cookies.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These luscious cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Here’s how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Flaked sea salt: A sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

• Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of cold milk! It pairs perfectly with chocolate chip cookies and balances out their richness.
• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the nutty flavors of brown butter, making this combo perfect for brunch or afternoon snack time.
• Ice cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apple slices add a refreshing contrast and brighten up your dessert spread.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to share your delicious Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies in style! Enjoy every delectable bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider adding a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Scoop cookie dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with the date; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies from frozen dough, bake straight from the freezer for an additional minute or two.
• If you have leftovers, reheating in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds works well for a soft, gooey treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What makes Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the chocolate. This unique ingredient elevates these cookies to another level!

Can I use different types of chocolate in my Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite chocolates, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks. Experimenting can lead to delicious new variations!

How do I know when my Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are done baking?

Look for puffy cookies that are just starting to turn golden on the edges but still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! Their rich flavor and chewy texture truly make them special. Don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit! Happy baking!