Rich, chewy cookies with deep flavor from browned butter & dark chocolate chips
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Level Up
There’s something truly special about a browned butter chocolate chip cookie. The nutty, complex flavor adds a depth that regular butter just can’t match. These cookies are chewy, slightly crispy around the edges, and packed with melty chocolate chips. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back!
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking. I’ve included all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Ready to elevate your cookie game? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
To create the perfect browned butter chocolate chip cookies, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, while dark chocolate chips provide a deep, velvety taste. A touch of sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
The following ingredients are necessary for this recipe:
- 240 g / 1 cup unsalted butter
- 250 g / 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 100 g / 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 280 g / 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp / 5 ml baking soda
- 1 tsp / 5 ml sea salt
- 250 g / 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
- 1 tsp / 5 ml pure vanilla extract
- Optional ingredients:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
- Espresso powder (to intensify the chocolate flavor)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create browned butter chocolate chip cookies that are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a deep, rich flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are all about the browned butter. It adds a complex, nutty flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Brown the Butter: Place 225 g / 1 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter melts and foams. Continue cooking until the butter turns a light brown color and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully pour the browned butter into a heat-proof bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 175 g / 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the cooled browned butter and 175 g / 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 75 g / 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 200 g / 1 1/2 cups of your favorite chocolate chips.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your warm, gooey, and perfectly browned butter chocolate chip cookies!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Unlock the secrets to creating chewy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible browned butter chocolate chip cookies with these expert tips.
- Choose high-quality chocolate: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Look for chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 35%) for the best flavor.
- Use the right type of butter: European-style or cultured butter is ideal for browning, as it has a higher fat content and a more complex flavor profile.
- Mix wisely: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Overbrowning the butter: Monitor the butter closely, as it can quickly go from perfectly browned to burnt.
- Insufficient chilling time: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (175°C / 350°F) to prevent cookies from cooking unevenly.
By following these expert tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best browned butter chocolate chip cookies of your life.
Substitutions and Variations for Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
To experiment with the best browned butter chocolate chip cookies recipe, consider the following substitutions and variations:
- Flour: Replace 120 g / 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 120 g / 1 cup of bread flour for a chewier texture or 120 g / 1 cup of cake flour for a tender crumb.
- Sugar: Substitute 200 g / 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 200 g / 1 cup of brown sugar for a richer flavor or 150 g / 3/4 cup of honey for a distinct sweetness.
- Chocolate: Use 250 g / 1 cup of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to alter the flavor profile. For a fruity twist, add 120 g / 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries.
When making substitutions, keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary. For instance, using brown sugar will produce a slightly softer cookie, while bread flour will result in a cookie that’s more dense. Bake the cookies at 180°C / 350°F to ensure the perfect texture.
Creative Variations for Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
The beauty of this browned butter chocolate chip cookie recipe is its versatility. Let your creativity shine by adding these delicious variations:
-
Nutty Delight
Stir in 120 g / 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and complement the browned butter flavor beautifully. No time change required.
-
Espresso Kick
For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This enhances the richness of the browned butter and creates a subtle coffee note. Baking time remains the same.
-
Oatmeal Chewy Goodness
Add 60 g / ½ cup rolled oats to the dry ingredients. This creates a chewier texture and a delightful nutty flavor. Baking time may increase slightly by 2-3 minutes.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist!
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even with the best recipe, issues can arise when baking browned butter chocolate chip cookies. Overcooking, underbaking, and spreading are common problems that can affect the texture and appearance of these delicious treats.
Common Problems and Fixes
The following are some common issues that may occur when baking browned butter chocolate chip cookies, along with their solutions:
- Overcooking: Cookies are too dark and hard. Fix: Bake at a lower temperature (165°C / 325°F) for a shorter time (8-10 minutes).
- Underbaking: Cookies are too soft and pale. Fix: Bake for a longer time (12-14 minutes) or at a higher temperature (180°C / 350°F).
- Spreading: Cookies lose their shape and become too thin. Fix: Chill the dough (30 minutes to 1 hour) before baking, and use a combination of white and brown sugar (240 g / 1 cup) to help retain moisture.
- Butter not browning: Browned butter is not achieving the desired nutty flavor. Fix: Cook the butter (115 g / 1/2 cup) over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a rich brown color and fragrant aroma.
By identifying and addressing these common issues, you can perfect your browned butter chocolate chip cookie recipe and achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Ready to indulge in some deliciousness while keeping an eye on your nutrition? Here’s a breakdown of the key stats for each serving of these browned butter chocolate chip cookies:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
Dietary Tags: Not Gluten-Free, Not Dairy-Free, Not Vegan
Frequently Asked Questions about Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get answers to your questions about the best browned butter chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients and Preparation
- What is the purpose of browning butter in this recipe? Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies.
- Can I substitute browned butter with regular butter? While you can use regular butter, the flavor and texture will be different.
- What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe? We recommend using high-quality semisweet or milk chocolate chips for the best flavor.
Cooking and Storage
- How long do these cookies take to bake? Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until lightly golden brown.
- How long do these cookies stay fresh? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Key Takeaways for Making the Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the perfect browned butter chocolate chip cookies, it’s essential to focus on a few critical elements. Start by using high-quality ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of browned butter, 250 g / 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 250 g / 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Use a combination of white and brown sugar (200 g / 1 cup) for a rich flavor profile.
- Cook the butter to the perfect browned state, with a nutty aroma and a temperature of 120°C / 248°F.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
- Bake the cookies at 180°C / 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
By following these key takeaways and expert tips, browning the butter to perfection and using the right cooking techniques, you’ll be well on your way to making the best browned butter chocolate chip cookies that are sure to impress.
Conclusion: The Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
After perfecting every detail, our best browned butter chocolate chip cookies recipe is finally here. These chewy cookies boast a rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter and a perfect balance of sweetness from the chocolate chips. With a crispy exterior giving way to a soft center, every bite is a delight.
We encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic of browned butter in a cookie for yourself. If you’re looking for more sweet treats, be sure to explore our other cookie recipes, like our classic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin variations.
