Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer! With rich, nutty brown butter and a perfect blend of dark and milk chocolate chunks, every bite is soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. A must-try treat for any occasion!

There’s something about biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie that feels like a little bit of comfort in every bite. But when you elevate that classic cookie by using brown butter and premium chocolate, well, you get a whole new experience—one that’s nutty, rich, and deeply satisfying. These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are everything you’ve ever wanted in a cookie and more. With crispy edges, chewy centers, and that irresistible aroma of browned butter, this cookie is a game-changer.

If you’re looking for a recipe that takes the classic chocolate chip cookie to the next level, you’ve found it. This isn’t just any cookie recipe—it’s one that’s loaded with flavors that balance out perfectly with each bite. And it’s easier to make than you might think! In this post, we’ll walk through the process step by step, from the ingredients to the final baking tips, to help you make the most perfect brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Before we dive in, if you’re a fan of delightful, comforting desserts, you may also want to check out the Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee Recipe for a taste of something savory or perhaps the Tippins Cornbread Recipe to add to your comfort food repertoire.

What Makes These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?

Let’s break it down—what makes these cookies stand out? It’s the use of brown butter. While regular butter gives your baked goods that standard buttery flavor, brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness that takes these cookies to another level. The caramelization of the milk solids in the butter brings a flavor complexity that regular butter simply can’t match. This slight shift makes your chocolate chip cookies taste so much more sophisticated and just… better.

Then there’s the chocolate itself. Premium chocolate chunks (instead of chocolate chips) are key to ensuring that each bite is loaded with delicious melty pockets of chocolate. You want the chocolate to shine just as much as the buttery goodness, and using quality chocolate does just that.

What people often miss in the cookie-making process is the importance of chilling the dough. It may seem like an extra step, but trust me, this makes all the difference. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies. No one likes a flat, lifeless cookie, so this step is non-negotiable.

Why You’ll Love These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re hosting a gathering or a party, these cookies will be the hit of the event. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet treat for a casual family dinner, a birthday celebration, or just because it’s a Sunday afternoon, these brown butter chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion.

For those of us who love a good, hearty dessert that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the need for something a little special, these cookies fit that bill perfectly. Brown butter chocolate chip cookies work in so many different contexts—whether it’s an intimate gathering or a big bash.

And let’s not forget about the holidays. Imagine these warm cookies out of the oven on Christmas Eve, cooling on a rack as everyone gathers around the tree. Or at a baby shower, where they’ll be the sweet treat everyone remembers. With their rich flavors, they’re the kind of cookies that make your holiday season feel even more festive.

If you enjoy the texture and richness of these cookies, you might also enjoy making a batch of Nduja Sausage or perhaps pairing them with a refreshing Nunu Drink.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s the rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable cookie recipe. It’s a fairly simple list, but each ingredient plays a critical role in making these cookies exceptional.

1. Unsalted Butter (Browned)

The most important ingredient is butter—unsalted butter to be exact. It’s what gives the cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The key is to brown the butter first. Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that sets these cookies apart. Pro tip: Be patient while browning the butter, and keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. It should turn golden brown with a nutty aroma when it’s ready.

2. Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar

These two sugars bring different textures and flavors to the dough. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps to give the cookies their crisp edges. The balance between the two creates the perfect cookie texture.

3. Eggs

Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cookie dough, making sure your cookies stay tender but firm enough to hold their shape. Make sure to use large eggs for consistency in the recipe.

4. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is what ties all the flavors together and gives your cookies that warm, comforting flavor. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

5. All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the base for the dough. Be sure to measure your flour accurately—too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly, while too little can make them too soft and sticky. I recommend using a kitchen scale for precision, but if you’re measuring by cups, fluff up your flour and then spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid packing it down.

6. Baking Soda & Salt

Baking soda helps the cookies rise, and the salt balances out the sweetness. Both are crucial for creating that perfect cookie texture and flavor. Don't skip these!

7. Premium Chocolate Chunks

The quality of the chocolate you use in these cookies matters. I prefer using high-quality chocolate chunks over chips for a richer, more decadent experience. When baked, the chunks create gooey pools of chocolate that melt into the dough—just the way it should be.

8. Flaky Sea Salt

This might seem like an optional step, but trust me, it’s not. Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right before baking enhances the sweet and salty flavor combo and adds that extra gourmet touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s dive into the baking process. Don’t worry—while it sounds like a lot of steps, each one is simple. Follow along with this guide, and you’ll have cookies that are perfectly chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolate.

Step 1: Brown the Butter

First things first, you need to brown the butter. This step is crucial to creating that nutty, caramelized flavor that sets this recipe apart from a regular chocolate chip cookie. Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it frequently to ensure it browns evenly, but don’t leave it unattended—it can burn quickly! Once the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Trust me, the wait is worth it.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take a couple of minutes, so don’t rush. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and combined. The mixture should be glossy and thick.

Tip: If the butter is too warm when you add the eggs, you risk scrambling them. So, make sure the butter has cooled before proceeding.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s move on to the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent clumps and ensures an even distribution of the baking soda and salt throughout the dough. This step is especially important because you want each cookie to bake consistently.

Once the dry ingredients are mixed, gradually add them to your wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon. Don’t overmix here—just enough to combine everything into a dough. Overmixing could lead to tougher cookies, and we’re aiming for soft, chewy bites with crispy edges.

Tip: At this point, the dough might seem a little sticky, but don’t worry. As you add the chocolate chunks, the dough will become easier to work with.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chunks

This is where the magic happens—adding those premium chocolate chunks. I highly recommend using a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate, or even adding some white chocolate for extra richness. The balance of flavors between the dark chocolate’s slight bitterness and the sweetness of the milk chocolate is what makes each bite so indulgent. Gently fold the chocolate into the dough with a spatula until it’s evenly distributed.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to add a bit more chocolate than the recipe calls for! More chocolate never hurts when you’re making chocolate chip cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Now for the hardest part of making these cookies—waiting! After mixing everything together, you need to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better. Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. It also allows the flour to fully hydrate, which improves the texture.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to shape the dough into balls before freezing them to avoid sticking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Once your dough has chilled, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. You can make them as big or small as you like, but I suggest a tablespoon-sized ball for the perfect cookie-to-chocolate ratio. Space them out about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to give them room to spread.

Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft and slightly undercooked. This will ensure that they stay chewy and perfect. If you prefer crispier cookies, you can leave them in for another minute or two, but be careful not to overbake.

Tip: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This is especially important if you’re baking two trays at once.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting time allows the cookies to set up, making them easier to handle without breaking.

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk, or enjoy them as a sweet treat at any time of day. The aroma of brown butter and chocolate will fill your kitchen, making it impossible not to indulge in these rich, chewy cookies.

How to Perfect Your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Expert Tips

As someone who’s baked countless batches of cookies over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to help you perfect your brown butter chocolate chip cookies every time. Here are a few insider tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For best results, make sure your eggs and brown butter are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, leading to a better texture.

2. Choose Quality Chocolate

The quality of your chocolate makes all the difference. Look for a chocolate bar that’s at least 60% cacao for a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Chop the chocolate into large chunks, as these will create those perfect melty pockets in the dough.

3. Don’t Skip the Sea Salt

It’s a simple but crucial touch. Flaky sea salt brings out the flavors of the butter and chocolate, balancing the sweetness and giving the cookies that gourmet, salted caramel-like finish. Sprinkle a little on top of each dough ball before baking for that final touch.

Why Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a cookie that can truly fit any occasion, look no further than brown butter chocolate chip cookies. They’re a great option for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Here’s why:

1. Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Imagine serving these cookies at your next holiday dinner. They’re rich and festive, and their golden-brown edges give them a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re hosting a family meal or gifting a batch to friends, they make for a treat that everyone will love.

2. A Crowd-Pleaser for Parties

If you’re planning a party, these cookies are a must-have. They’re great for any celebration—birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Sunday barbecue. Everyone loves a warm, freshly baked cookie, and when they’re made with brown butter, these will be the cookies your guests rave about long after the party is over.

3. Comforting Snack for Quiet Days

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a fresh batch of cookies to bring some comfort. Brown butter chocolate chip cookies are perfect for those quiet days when you just want to relax with a warm cookie and a cup of tea or coffee. The rich, nutty flavor combined with gooey chocolate is the perfect treat.

Pairing Ideas for Your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing your brown butter chocolate chip cookies with some unique drinks and dishes to elevate the experience. For example:

• A Cold Glass of Milk: Classic, yes, but it’s the best pairing for cookies. The coolness of milk balances the warm, buttery cookies and makes each bite feel even more indulgent.
• Ice Cream: Place a warm cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
• A Glass of Red Wine: Believe it or not, a full-bodied red wine like Merlot pairs wonderfully with chocolate chip cookies. The wine’s rich flavors complement the caramel and nutty notes in the brown butter.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

A high-value twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe featuring browned butter for a nutty depth of flavor, a chewy center, and crispy edges. Garnished with flaky sea salt for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups high-quality chocolate chunks
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown and nutty, stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl and chill for 20 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chunks. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

15 minutes prep time with 30 minutes cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

American / Dessert, Cookies

Rated 4.9 by 182 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: chocolate chip cookies, browned butter cookies, dessert, baking recipes, flaky sea salt cookies

Published by: Show Recipe