Description
These brown butter chocolate chip cookies feature crisp, lacy edges, a chewy dense center, and a deep caramel-like richness from toasted butter, finished with flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for topping)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (300g) packed brown sugar
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips or chunks
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns deep golden amber and smells like toasted nuts (about 10 minutes). Pour into a heat-proof bowl and let cool for 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Mix sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with granulated and brown sugar vigorously for 2 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and whisk until uniform.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Fold gently with a silicone spatula until flour disappears. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate: Add chocolate chips/chunks and fold to distribute evenly. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 72 hours).
- Scoop and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough balls (approx. 2 tablespoons) onto sheets, leaving 2 inches of space. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Salt and cool: Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use high-quality European-style butter for better flavor. Ensure baking soda is fresh. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and deepen flavor. Underbake slightly for chewy texture. Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, salted caramel, chewy cookies, baking, dessert, cookies with sea salt