If you crave a cookie that melts in your mouth and bursts with flavor, you need to try these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! With a rich, nutty taste, brown butter adds a twist to the classic cookie you love. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, from browning the butter to baking cookies that are perfectly chewy or crispy, depending on your preference. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat!
Ingredients
To make these brown butter chocolate chip cookies, you need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie.
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of your cookies. The brown sugar adds moisture, giving the cookies a chewy texture. Granulated sugar helps with crispness. Eggs bind the dough and add richness. Vanilla gives a warm flavor.
Flour is the base for the dough, while baking soda adds lift. Salt enhances all the flavors. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide that classic chocolate taste we all love. Finally, flaky sea salt on top gives a nice contrast and a touch of elegance.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create something truly special!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Brown Butter
– First, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
– Stir the butter often for about 5-8 minutes.
– Watch closely as it turns a golden brown color.
– You will smell a nutty aroma; this means it is ready.
– Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mixing the Dough
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar.
– Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until smooth and creamy.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
– Then, add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Forming the Cookie Dough
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
– Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients.
– Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
– Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly spread.
Chilling and Baking
– Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
– Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
– Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
– Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
– The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Brown Butter
To make great brown butter, watch the color closely. Start with unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Melt it over medium heat. Stir often as it cooks. In about 5 to 8 minutes, it will turn golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma. This smell is key! If it smells burnt, you need to start over. Once it reaches that perfect color and smell, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it in your cookie dough.
Cookie Texture
Do you want chewy or crispy cookies? For chewy cookies, use more brown sugar. It helps keep moisture in. You can also bake them for a shorter time. If you like crispy cookies, add a bit more flour and bake them longer. The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should be firm. Remember, cookies will continue to cook after you take them out of the oven.
Baking Tips
Oven temperature matters! Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about the heat. Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be light golden, while the centers may look soft. This is okay! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up nicely. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack. This allows air to flow around them and keeps them from getting soggy.
Variations
Add-Ins and Mix-Ins
You can make your brown butter chocolate chip cookies even better with fun add-ins. Here are some ideas:
– Nuts: You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for a crunchy texture. Nuts add flavor and a nice bite to each cookie.
– Chocolate Chips: Switch it up with different chocolate chips. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. Each type brings a unique taste. Dark chocolate adds richness, while white chocolate adds sweetness.
These mix-ins can make your cookies more fun and unique. Feel free to experiment!
Dietary Alternatives
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these cookies. Here are some great swaps:
– Gluten-Free Options: You can use gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies safe for those with gluten allergies. Almond flour or coconut flour also works well. Just mix with your favorite gluten-free flour.
– Vegan Adjustments: To make vegan cookies, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. These changes keep the cookies moist and tasty without any animal products.
These alternatives let everyone enjoy these delicious treats, no matter their diet!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your cookies fresh at room temperature, use an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them soft. Store them in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.
Long-Term Storage
For freezing cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This allows you to bake fresh cookies anytime. Baked cookies also freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a container. They will last for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy, thaw the dough or cookies in the fridge overnight. For baked cookies, you can warm them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This revives their taste and texture, making them feel fresh and warm again.
FAQs
What makes brown butter different?
Brown butter has a rich, nutty flavor. To make it, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir often until it turns golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. This browning process creates a deep flavor. It adds warmth and depth to your cookies. The aroma will also change, becoming toasty and sweet. This unique flavor lifts your chocolate chip cookies to a new level.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. However, this will change the taste. Salted butter can make your cookies taste a bit saltier. If you choose salted butter, skip adding the extra salt in the recipe. This way, you maintain a balanced flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, stick with unsalted butter for the best results.
How can I prevent cookies from spreading?
Preventing cookie spread starts with the dough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter harden again. Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough, making it uniform. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. Lastly, do not overmix the dough; this keeps the texture just right.
How to know when the cookies are done?
To tell if your cookies are done, look at the edges. They should be lightly golden brown. The centers might look soft or slightly underbaked. This is normal. They will continue to cook as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them. This helps them firm up.
In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious cookies using brown butter. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and essential baking tips. You learned about cookie texture and ways to customize your cookies with different add-ins. I also provided storage tips to keep your cookies fresh.
With these methods, your cookies will impress friends and family. Happy baking!
