The warm, nutty aroma of brown butter infuses every bite of these irresistibly chewy chocolate chip cookies. With crisp golden edges and gooey chocolate-studded centers, they’re the kind of cookie that disappears minutes after they’re baked.
Browning the butter takes just a few extra minutes, but the depth of flavor it adds is unmatched—caramelized, toasty, and beautifully rich. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or simply indulging in a late-night treat, these cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
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1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
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In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the browned butter until combined.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and glossy.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
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Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for enhanced flavor and texture.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but centers are still soft.
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Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm, if desired. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 min chill) | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
What Makes Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are not your average cookie. They take the classic comfort of a traditional chocolate chip cookie and elevate it with a deep, nutty richness that can only come from browning butter. The result is a complex, layered flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and gourmet.
What sets these cookies apart is the transformation of ordinary unsalted butter into a golden elixir. As the butter melts and cooks, the milk solids caramelize, creating an intensely aromatic, toasty base that enhances every other ingredient it touches. When paired with rich brown sugar and melty chocolate chips, the result is a cookie that feels indulgent, homemade, and just a little bit fancy.
The Science Behind Browning Butter
Butter browning is a simple technique that packs a powerful punch in terms of flavor. As butter melts and then simmers, it goes through a Maillard reaction—a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars—that gives it a deep amber hue and an irresistibly nutty aroma. This process only takes a few minutes, but it requires close attention, as butter can go from browned to burnt in seconds.
Once cooled slightly, this browned butter can be used just like regular melted butter in a cookie recipe, but it brings an unmatched richness to the dough. It also changes the texture slightly, creating cookies with crisp, golden edges and soft, chewy centers.
Flavor Profile: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Nutty, and Salty
The key flavor notes of these cookies are a blend of sweet, nutty, caramel-like richness from the brown butter and brown sugar, balanced with a touch of salt to enhance the overall complexity. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks provide a melty, slightly bitter contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is optional but highly recommended. It elevates the experience by adding a subtle crunch and enhancing the sweet and savory contrast that makes these cookies so addictive.
Texture: Crisp Edges, Soft Centers
One of the most satisfying things about Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies is their texture. Thanks to the moisture loss during the butter browning process, the dough becomes more concentrated, resulting in crispier edges. At the same time, the ratio of sugar and eggs helps retain a soft and gooey center.
When the dough is chilled before baking, it allows the fat to solidify and gives the flour time to hydrate. This leads to cookies that spread less in the oven, developing a chewy center while keeping a beautiful golden, slightly crispy exterior.
Tips to Elevate Your Cookie Game
Even if you’re familiar with baking chocolate chip cookies, there are a few extra steps that make these particular cookies unforgettable:
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Don’t skip browning the butter. It’s the hero of this recipe, and it’s worth the few extra minutes it takes.
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Chill the dough. This step helps control spreading and enhances the flavor through gluten development.
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Use high-quality chocolate. Whether chips or chunks, a better chocolate brand will elevate every bite.
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Finish with sea salt. A small sprinkle of flaky salt takes the flavor from delicious to gourmet.
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
If you manage to not eat the entire batch right away, these cookies store wonderfully. Once cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their flavor actually deepens slightly over time.
For longer storage, the baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
This makes the recipe ideal for prepping ahead and baking on demand whenever a craving hits.
Customization Ideas
One of the joys of a well-loved cookie recipe is how versatile it can be. Here are some ideas to make this cookie truly your own:
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Chocolate Varieties: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate. Try a mix for complexity.
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Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a crunchy twist.
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Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can deepen the flavor.
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Fillings: Stuff with caramel, Nutella, or peanut butter for a decadent center.
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Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and a dairy-free butter alternative that can brown, like plant-based European-style butters.
Why Brown Butter Cookies Are Worth the Extra Step
Browning butter may sound like a “fancy” step, but it’s actually incredibly simple, and once you try it, you’ll likely never want to go back. The technique transforms a cookie from something standard to something people remember. It adds depth, nuance, and that bakery-style richness that you typically only get from professional bakers.
This recipe is also a great way to practice butter browning, a useful skill in both savory and sweet cooking. Once you learn how to do it, you’ll want to use it in everything from sauces and pasta to pancakes and muffins.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, hosting friends, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening. They also make excellent gifts, especially when stacked in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or packed into a tin for the holidays.
Because they’re both nostalgic and sophisticated, they appeal to all ages and taste preferences. Kids love the gooey chocolate, while adults appreciate the complexity of the brown butter and the perfect hit of salt.
Make-Ahead Friendly
One of the best things about this recipe is that it lends itself to preparation ahead of time. The dough can be made up to 72 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, the longer it rests, the better it gets—flavors meld and deepen, resulting in a cookie that tastes almost like it’s from a high-end bakery.
You can also portion the dough into balls and freeze them for future baking. This way, you can always have freshly baked cookies on hand with minimal effort.
Conclusion: A Must-Bake Classic with a Gourmet Twist
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are proof that small tweaks can make a huge difference. By simply browning the butter and being intentional with ingredients and timing, you create a cookie that’s comforting yet elevated, simple yet gourmet.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s versatile, reliable, and deeply satisfying. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, warm, and undeniably delicious, grab a saucepan and some butter—these cookies are calling your name.