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To make the best brown butter chocolate chip cookies, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans work well) You can add a twist to your cookies with these extras: - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth - Sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty balance - Different chocolate types like dark or milk chocolate Using good ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Butter: Choose fresh, high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. - Sugars: Use dark brown sugar for a richer taste. - Chocolate Chips: Go for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate. It adds depth. - Nuts: If you use nuts, pick fresh ones. They add crunch and flavor. These choices will elevate your cookies and make them truly irresistible! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you must brown the butter. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it constantly. This helps the butter heat evenly. Watch closely as it changes color. The butter will turn a rich golden brown and smell nutty. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before using. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Pour in the slightly cooled brown butter. Mix these together until they blend well. Now crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg. This step keeps your batter smooth. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor to your cookies. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. You want soft cookies, not tough ones. Now it's time to add chocolate! Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Use a spatula to mix them evenly into the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. To shape the cookies, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Portion out rounded balls of dough. Place them on the prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and soft centers. Enjoy the wonderful smell! To brown butter, you need to keep your eye on it. Start with unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. Stir it often to break down the milk solids. Watch closely as it changes color. You want a golden brown shade. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When you smell a nutty aroma, it’s ready. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This adds a deep flavor to your cookies. The texture of your cookies can change based on a few factors. For chewy cookies, use more brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture. It keeps the cookies soft. If you want crispy cookies, use more granulated sugar. You can also bake them a minute longer. This will give you a crunchy edge. Remember, the thickness of your dough balls matters, too. Smaller balls will be crispier, while larger ones will stay chewy. To bake cookies evenly, space them well on the baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread. Use a cookie scoop for even sizes. This helps them bake at the same rate. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking. This ensures all cookies get equal heat. Enjoy your perfect batch of brown butter chocolate chip cookies! Pro Tips Browning the Butter: Make sure to constantly stir the butter as it browns to avoid burning. The perfect color is a rich amber with a nutty aroma. Chilling the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavors. Using Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor. You can also mix in dark chocolate for a more complex taste. Storing Cookies: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months for later use. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor by adding different extracts. Try almond extract for a nutty twist. A teaspoon of orange or coconut extract can brighten your cookies. Each option gives a unique taste, making your cookies special. Experimenting with extracts adds fun to baking. You can choose between dark or milk chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste and slight bitterness. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. Mixing them is also a great idea! You’ll enjoy a balance of flavors. Each choice changes the cookie's flavor and texture. Adding nuts can make your cookies crunchier. Walnuts give a deep flavor. Pecans are sweeter and buttery. Almonds add a nice crunch. You can use one type or mix them for variety. Just chop them coarsely and fold them in with the chocolate. Nuts add texture and extra taste to each bite. To keep your brown butter chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature, away from heat or direct sunlight. For longer freshness, consider adding a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping your cookies soft. You can also freeze cookies if you won’t eat them in a week. This method preserves taste and texture. Freezing cookie dough is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once firm, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. You can also add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help keep the cookies moist. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Yes, you can easily make these cookies without nuts. Just skip the nuts when adding ingredients. The cookies will still taste great and stay soft. If you want extra flavor, you can add more chocolate chips instead. To check if your cookies are done, look for golden brown edges. The centers may still look soft. If the edges are nice and brown, they are likely ready. You can also use a toothpick to test. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, the cookies are done. Yes, you can use salted butter. However, reduce the added salt in the recipe. If the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, try using only 1/4 teaspoon. This helps keep the flavor balanced, and your cookies will still taste amazing. In this blog post, we explored how to make the best brown butter chocolate chip cookies. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure perfect cookies every time. Remember, browning the butter enhances flavor, and selecting quality ingredients makes a difference. With variations and storage tips, you can enjoy these cookies longer. Use this guide to create delicious treats that impress friends and family. Happy baking!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delicious cookies made with brown butter and loaded with chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continuously stir it as it melts, watching for the color to transform into a rich golden brown and for a nutty aroma to develop. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  • Combine Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour the slightly cooled brown butter into the bowl and mix vigorously until the sugars are well blended.
  • Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
  • Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: With a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out rounded balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
  • Bake: Place your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers as indicators of doneness.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies before serving.
Keyword chocolate chip, cookies, dessert