If you’re looking for a cookie that’s deeply rich, perfectly chewy, and totally unforgettable, these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new obsession. The secret is in the brown butter, which gives every bite caramel-like undertones and old-fashioned bakery flavor. From golden crisp edges to a soft, gooey middle overflowing with chocolate chips, these cookies are pure magic—simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a special gift or celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of baking: with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up something extraordinary. Each item here plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and gorgeous color that set Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies apart from the classic.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter unlocks a nutty flavor and elevates the entire cookie.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a dreamy, caramel-like chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and keep the cookies nice and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and warms up the dough with cozy notes.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the cookie and balances the butter and eggs.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies lift and helps with the perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, making the chocolate and brown butter pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pools of chocolate are the star of every bite.
- Optional flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top takes these over the edge—each bite is sweet and slightly salty.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
This is where the magic starts! Place your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it’ll foam up, then turn golden brown with a delicious, nutty aroma—watch carefully and stir often so it doesn’t burn. This takes about 5–7 minutes. Once it takes on an amber hue and smells irresistibly toasty, pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl to cool for about 10–15 minutes. Letting it cool to room temperature ensures your cookies won’t spread too much during baking.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Sheets
Get your oven preheated to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This guarantees your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is combined and silky. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, giving them a good whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates the luscious base for your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together—overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The dough should look decadent, with chips peeking through every scoop. If you want to get fancy, you can also mix in some nuts for extra crunch.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the middles look set but still soft—this gives you that dreamy, chewy center!
Step 7: Top and Cool
If you adore that sweet-salty combo, sprinkle your cookies with a bit of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes, a little flourish takes a homemade treat from wonderful to unforgettable. For Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, a pinch of flaky sea salt on top is pure perfection, highlighting every layer of flavor. You can also drizzle with extra melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
What’s the best partner for a warm cookie? A cold glass of milk is a must, but these cookies pair beautifully with a creamy coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a tangy Greek yogurt dip for a fun contrast. If you’re hosting, a platter of fresh berries adds a refreshing, colorful touch beside a stack of cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies the star of any dessert table! Stack them in a mason jar, wrap a few in bakery paper and twine for gifting, or sandwich them around a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate cookie sandwich. Arrange them on a rustic board with fresh fruit and chocolates for a crowd-pleasing dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, just as chewy and delightful as the day you baked them.
Freezing
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze surprisingly well! You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Alternatively, scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer the unbaked dough balls to a bag—bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready.
Reheating
To relive that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm several in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes. This brings back the gooey chocolate chips and soft centers that make these cookies a treat every time.
FAQs
Why brown the butter instead of just melting it?
Browning the butter creates a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies to the next level, adding depth you can actually taste in every bite.
Can I chill the dough overnight?
Yes! Chilling the dough—even overnight—intensifies the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much, giving you perfect thick and chewy cookies every time.
Can I use milk or dark chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely. Feel free to mix and match chocolate chips or even chop up your favorite chocolate bar—customize your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies to suit your chocolate cravings!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s just set but still soft. The cookies will keep firming up as they cool on the tray, so resist overbaking for the best texture.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crispy?
The combination of brown sugar and brown butter keeps the cookies moist and chewy, while just the right balance of flour and a touch of underbaking ensures every bite is irresistibly soft.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, there’s no going back—their toasty, caramel notes and gooey chocolate chips are truly next-level. They’re easy enough for a cozy afternoon bake, yet special enough to make any occasion magic. Gather your ingredients, trust the process, and treat yourself to a batch soon—you absolutely deserve every delicious bite!
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with sweet chocolate chips in these decadent Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. A perfect balance of chewy and crispy, these bakery-style cookies are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brown Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Cookies:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk browned butter with sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet, fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture.
- Customize with different chocolate or nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
