Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

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

Lucy Bennett

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:12:34.411Z

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The process of browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that transforms these cookies into something extraordinary. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
  • Chewy texture with crispy edges
  • Perfect for any occasion or as a sweet treat

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a simple yet transformative ingredient that elevates any recipe. When butter is heated, the milk solids caramelize, developing a nutty aroma and rich flavor profile. This process not only adds depth to your cookies but also creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. The result is a cookie that offers a sophisticated taste experience, making it a favorite among cookie enthusiasts.

Incorporating brown butter into your baking routine is an easy way to impress your friends and family. The unique flavor it brings can turn a standard cookie recipe into something extraordinary. With just a bit of patience and attention, you can master the art of browning butter, and once you do, you’ll find countless ways to use this ingredient in your desserts and beyond.

Cookie Texture Perfection

Achieving the perfect cookie texture is an art form, and this recipe strikes that ideal balance. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies boast a chewy center with crispy edges, making each bite a delightful experience. The combination of all-purpose flour and the right ratio of sugars helps create a cookie that’s not too dense yet holds its shape beautifully.

Allowing the cookies to rest on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack is essential. This step helps them maintain their shape while the residual heat continues to cook the centers, ensuring that you achieve that coveted soft and chewy texture. This balance between chewy and crispy is what makes these cookies irresistible.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is its versatility. While the classic combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. White chocolate, nuts, or even dried fruit can add a unique twist to your cookies. You can also adjust the sweetness by using dark chocolate chips for a bolder flavor.

These cookies are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday party, or simply a treat for yourself. They can be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container, and even frozen for future enjoyment. No matter the occasion, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix the Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well blended.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet and 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 to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

To keep your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they'll last that long! If you want to maintain their chewy texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; it will help retain moisture.

If you prefer to make cookies in advance, you can freeze the uncooked dough. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh batch of cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream creates a delicious treat that’s hard to resist.

For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also makes for an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress your guests at parties or gatherings.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze, then bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use chopped chocolate, nuts, or even dried fruits if you prefer.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Lucy Bennett

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. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 3 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, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well blended.

Step 03

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 07

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

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