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Tender Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

tender brown butter chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These tender brown butter chocolate chip cookies feature a rich, nutty flavor with a perfect balance of sweet chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a light-colored heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter melts, foams, and then starts to brown with little brown flecks and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Mix sugars and browned butter: Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed light brown sugar to the cooled browned butter. Stir until combined and smooth.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: Crack in 1 large room-temperature egg and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Slowly add dry mix to wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough.
  6. Chill the dough (optional but recommended): Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look soft. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

Watch the brown butter closely to avoid burning. Chilling the dough is recommended for thicker cookies and better flavor. Sprinkle sea salt immediately after baking for best texture and flavor. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, sea salt, chewy cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, tender cookies