Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Harriet Mason

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:03:43.815Z

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The nutty aroma of brown butter adds depth of flavor, making them irresistible.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
  • Chewy texture with crispy edges
  • Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a simple yet transformative ingredient that elevates ordinary baked goods to extraordinary heights. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, creating a nutty aroma and rich flavor. This unique taste is what sets these chocolate chip cookies apart from traditional recipes, adding depth and complexity that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

In addition to its delicious flavor, brown butter also contributes to the perfect texture in these cookies. It helps create a chewy center with beautifully crisp edges, making each cookie an irresistible treat. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, the rich flavor of brown butter is a game-changer that you won't want to miss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for any gathering. Whether it's a casual family get-together, a festive holiday party, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any situation. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone will be coming back for more.

Additionally, they are perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that shows you care. A plate of these cookies can brighten anyone's day, making them an excellent choice for bake sales or potlucks as well.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly, start by measuring your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the final product. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially for ingredients like flour and brown sugar, which can easily be packed down.

Another helpful tip is to allow your dough to chill before baking. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie. A minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge is recommended, but for even better results, consider chilling it longer.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious cookies:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect cookies:

Brown the Butter

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for about a week, but you might find they disappear much sooner! If you'd like to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. The taste and texture will still be delightful, making it feel like you're indulging in freshly baked cookies all over again.

Mix and Match Variations

While the classic chocolate chip version is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with mix-ins to create your perfect cookie. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

You can also incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, for a touch of tartness. The beauty of baking cookies is that you can tailor them to your preferences, making each batch unique and special. Don't hesitate to get creative and discover new flavor combinations!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but it's best to reduce the added salt in the recipe if you use salted butter.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store them 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 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use chopped chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit as a substitute.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Harriet Mason

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  6. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 05

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 06

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g