Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with gooey chocolate chips in these delectable cookies.

Victoria Hall

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2025-12-23T17:36:52.458Z

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The nutty aroma of brown butter adds depth and richness, making every bite a memorable experience.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

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

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a transformative ingredient that elevates any baked good with its deep, nutty flavor. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a rich, complex taste that pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like chocolate. This simple technique adds depth to your chocolate chip cookies, making them stand out from traditional recipes.

When you incorporate brown butter into your cookie dough, you infuse each bite with a warm, toasty flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips. The nutty aroma that fills your kitchen during the browning process is just a hint of the deliciousness that awaits. This culinary magic is what makes these cookies a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Perfect Texture Every Time

Achieving the ideal texture in cookies can be a challenge, but this recipe ensures that you get a perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar contributes to the cookie's structure, while the chilling step allows the dough to firm up. This results in cookies that have a delightful chew in the center and crispy edges that are utterly irresistible.

Another key to achieving the perfect cookie texture is to avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing until just combined allows the gluten to develop without making the cookies tough. This attention to detail is what sets these brown butter chocolate chip cookies apart from the rest, making them a go-to recipe for cookie lovers.

Serving and Storing Tips

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself. They can be served warm from the oven or allowed to cool completely for a delightful treat any time of day. Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert experience.

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing these cookies is simple. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup 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

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions 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 a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why Choose Homemade Cookies?

Homemade cookies not only taste better than store-bought options, but they also allow you to control the quality of ingredients. With this brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, you can choose high-quality chocolate and organic butter, ensuring a delicious treat that is free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own cookies from scratch.

Baking at home can also be a wonderful bonding experience with family and friends. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen, share the joy of creating something together, and enjoy the delicious results. Whether you’re making these cookies for a special occasion or just because, the memories created during the process are as sweet as the cookies themselves.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic brown butter chocolate chip cookie, consider experimenting with different mix-ins or flavors. For a unique twist, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. You can also mix in different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate chips, to complement the brown butter's richness.

If you're in the mood for a seasonal variation, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor profile. You can also incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, for a touch of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile base for your own creative cookie adventures.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

→ How can I store these cookies?

Store 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 scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can make brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with molasses (1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses for light brown sugar).

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with gooey chocolate chips in these delectable cookies.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Victoria Hall

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/4 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. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.

Step 03

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 06

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few 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