Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience, allow me to introduce you to my favorite treat: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, with rich, nutty flavors thanks to the brown butter. Every bite is a warm hug that makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

The magic of brown butter elevates these cookies and gives them a depth of flavor that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!), this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste that takes these cookies to the next level.
• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these delicious cookies—perfect for any occasion.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Customizable options: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple and wholesome ingredients that make these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies so special. You probably have most of them already in your kitchen!

For the Cookie Dough:

• 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 extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chocolate chunks
• Flaked sea salt (optional garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt these cookies to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the chocolate types: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add extra crunch and richness.
• Incorporate spices: A dash of cinnamon or espresso powder can enhance the flavor even more.
• Try different extracts: Almond extract can provide a lovely twist alongside the vanilla.

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

To begin with, we need to brown our butter. This step is crucial because it infuses the cookies with that deep, nutty flavor we love. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a lovely aroma. Stir frequently to avoid burning!

Step 2: Cool the Butter

Once you’ve browned the butter, transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Cooling helps prevent scrambling the eggs when mixed together later.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout your dough.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or electric beaters, combine the cooled brown butter with both sugars until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in vanilla and eggs, beating just until combined. This creates an airy texture in your cookies!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, slowly mix in your dry ingredient mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies chewy!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate

Gently fold in both chocolate chips and chunks by hand—this adds those delightful melty bits throughout each cookie!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape

Scoop out generous portions of dough (about 4 tablespoons each) onto your prepared baking sheets. These large cookie balls will spread beautifully while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 11-12 minutes. Remember, they should look puffy and barely golden when you take them out; they will continue cooking on the pan.

Step 9: Garnish & Cool

If you’d like, sprinkle some flaked sea salt on top immediately after pulling them from the oven—it’s an optional but delicious touch! Allow your cookies to cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them elsewhere.

Enjoy every scrumptious bite of these homemade Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies is all about the little details, and these pro tips will help ensure your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend together smoothly, creating a more uniform dough and contributing to that irresistible chewy texture.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. Just make sure to keep an eye on it as it can go from brown to burnt quickly!
• Chill the dough: For an even richer flavor and chewier texture, consider chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and results in a thicker cookie.
• Measure flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour in its container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level off with a knife for precision.
• Experiment with chocolate: Feel free to mix different types of chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can add unique flavors and textures that make each batch exciting!

How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These warm, gooey Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Flaked sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
• Chopped nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top creates an extra layer of crunch and complements the buttery flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk balances out the sweetness and richness of these cookies, making every bite simply divine.
• Coffee: For adults looking for a sophisticated touch, serve your cookies with freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Ice cream: Transform these cookies into an indulgent dessert by serving them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream—pure bliss!
• Fruit salad: For something lighter, consider serving a refreshing fruit salad on the side. The natural sweetness and acidity will provide a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up a batch of these delectable Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Here’s how to manage your cookies:

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookie balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat your cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions I get about these delicious cookies:

What makes brown butter chocolate chip cookies different?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie. It brings out deeper flavors and gives these cookies a unique twist that you’ll absolutely love!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my brown butter chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate chips or chunks according to your preference. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can all create delicious variations.

How do I know when my brown butter chocolate chip cookies are done baking?

Look for cookies that are puffy and just barely golden around the edges. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool, so it’s okay if they seem slightly underbaked when you take them out!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring an extraordinary flavor that will delight your taste buds. Remember that baking is all about joy and creativity—don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, and may your cookies turn out perfectly delicious!