There’s a moment in cooking when a simple ingredient transforms into something extraordinary. That’s exactly what happens when you brown butter. As it sizzles and releases its nutty aroma, I can’t help but feel excitement build for a new batch of my Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the depth of flavor that brown butter brings, regular chocolate chip cookies will feel downright ordinary.
These cookies combine the gooey sweetness of dark chocolate chunks with the satisfying crunch of flaky sea salt, creating a delightful contrast you won’t forget. Perfectly crisp on the edges and gloriously chewy in the center, they are a comforting treat that’s as enjoyable for an afternoon snack as it is for dessert at dinner parties.
So grab your butter, and let’s create something that’ll make your family— or just you— feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Why are Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible?
Irresistible Flavor Profile: The deep, nutty notes of brown butter elevate traditional chocolate chip cookies to a whole new level.
Perfectly Balanced: Flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness, ensuring every bite is harmoniously delicious.
Crispy Meets Chewy: Enjoy the satisfying crunch at the edges with a tender, gooey center.
Versatile Treat: Easily modify ingredients to customize flavors, from swapping chocolate types to adding nuts.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or simply indulging yourself.
Quick Process: With minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch and enjoy the heavenly aroma in no time!
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; unsalted butter works too with a pinch of salt added.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; essential for the perfect chewy texture.
• Sea Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; use flaky sea salt for a delightful garnish.
• Baking Soda – Crucial for the cookies to rise and spread appropriately.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; substitute with coconut sugar for a caramel-like taste.
• Brown Sugar (packed) – Infuses moisture and a rich flavor that makes these Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies truly special.
• Large Eggs – Binds the dough and adds moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for best results.
• Cold Water – Ensures the dough’s consistency; helps cookies spread perfectly during baking.
• Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor profile, creating depth in every bite.
• Dark Chocolate (chunks or chopped bar) – Delivers a rich chocolate experience; choose high-quality chocolate for outstanding results.
For Garnish
• Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch; provides textural contrast and elevates the flavor!
How to Make Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Brown the Butter: In a medium-high heat frying pan, melt the salted butter until it foams. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns a deep golden brown and becomes fragrant.
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Chill: Pour the browned butter into a bowl and let it cool slightly before refrigerating until it’s solidified yet soft, approximately 1 hour. This step is key to cookie perfection!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt to combine. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
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Combine Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled brown butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the room temperature eggs, cold water, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Fold in the dark chocolate chunks for that rich indulgence.
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Chill Dough: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours, or up to 4 days, to enhance the flavors and texture.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, ensuring there’s enough space for the cookies to spread. Bake for 13-16 minutes until the edges are set, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Optional: Serve warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience with your favorite beverage!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Cozy evenings just got even better with the addition of these delectable cookies to your dessert table. Let’s explore perfect pairings that will elevate your cookie experience!
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Chilled milk enhances the sweetness and complements the rich buttery flavors beautifully, creating that ultimate nostalgic moment.
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Espresso or Coffee: The robust flavors of a freshly brewed cup contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies. It’s perfect for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
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Ice Cream Float: Drizzle with chocolate syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy indulgence combined with the cookies makes for a delightful dessert experience.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm salted caramel on top of the cookies for a decadent twist. The sweetness and the salty notes harmonize perfectly, enhancing each bite.
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Berry Salad: A light, fresh berry salad brings a burst of flavor and color to your plate. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness, making it a refreshing complement.
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Chai Latte: The spiced richness of a chai latte pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavors of brown butter, offering warmth for those chilly evenings.
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Dark Chocolate Sauce: Serve these cookies warm with a side of melted dark chocolate for dipping. The gooey texture adds another level of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore!
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Red Wine: A robust red wine, like a Merlot, contrasts wonderfully with the flavors of the cookies. The fruity notes enhance the chocolate chocolatey goodness beautifully.
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Cheese Board: Pair with creamy cheeses like Brie or Gouda. The cheeses’ richness balances the cookie’s sweetness, making for an intriguing flavor experience!
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these cookies your own in delightful ways!
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White Chocolate: Replace dark chocolate with creamy white chocolate chips for a sweeter, buttery flavor.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a gentle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to bring a warm, unexpected depth to your cookies.
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Coconut Twist: Substitute half the granulated sugar with shredded coconut for a chewy texture and tropical flair.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry.
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Zesty Lemon: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing burst of citrus that perfectly balances the richness of the brown butter.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm cookies with caramel sauce just before serving for a sweet, indulgent finish that will wow your guests.
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Spiced Pumpkin: For a seasonal twist, infuse the dough with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Experiment with these variations and discover new favorites that could become your family’s next cherished recipe!
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies even on the busiest days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 4 days, which intensifies the flavors and yields chewy, delicious cookies. Just make sure to tightly cover the dough with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and bake at 325°F for 13-16 minutes. The result? Fresh, warm cookies that are just as delightful as when they were freshly made!
Expert Tips for Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Perfectly Browned Butter: Aim for a deep golden color and a nutty aroma; this flavor is what makes your Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies truly special.
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Dough Chilling: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for the cookies to develop the right texture and avoid spreading too much.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate, as it will enhance the overall flavor of your cookies significantly compared to standard chocolate chips.
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Weigh Ingredients: For ultimate precision and consistency in your cookie baking, use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients; this helps achieve perfect results every time.
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Check Oven Temperature: Baking at 325°F ensures your cookies cook evenly and helps maintain their chewy centers without burning the edges—no one likes overcooked cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for any craving.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, though they may lose some chewiness.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop, freeze, and then store in a sealed bag. Bake straight from frozen—simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Reheating: If you have leftovers, gently warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their gooey indulgence. Enjoy your Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using salted butter. It not only adds richness but complements the nutty taste of the brown butter beautifully. If you prefer unsalted, just add a pinch of salt to the dough.
What’s the best method for storing these cookies?
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a closed container for up to two weeks. Just remember, refrigerating may make them a bit firmer!
Can I freeze the cookie dough, and how do I do it?
Yes! I often make extra cookie dough for later indulgences. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the balls for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
Very good question! If your cookies are spreading too much, it might be because the dough was not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 4 hours, or even overnight for optimal firmness. Additionally, check your oven temperature—using an oven thermometer often helps, as an oven running too hot can cause excessive spreading.
Are these cookies safe for my pets or anyone with allergies?
It’s important to be cautious! These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies contain ingredients like chocolate and butter which can be harmful to pets. For allergies, always check the ingredient labels—especially for gluten if using alternative flours or nut allergies with potential mix-ins. Always prioritize safety when sharing!
How can I modify ingredients for dietary preferences?
The more the merrier! You can modify dessert options based on dietary needs easily. If you need a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate. Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar if you’d like a lower glycemic option. Feel free to add nuts or substitute chocolate for white chocolate chips if you’re looking for a twist!
Irresistible Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Butter: In a medium-high heat frying pan, melt the salted butter until it foams. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns a deep golden brown and becomes fragrant.
- Chill: Pour the browned butter into a bowl and let it cool slightly before refrigerating until it's solidified yet soft, approximately 1 hour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt to combine.
- Combine Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled brown butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the room temperature eggs, cold water, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Fold in the dark chocolate chunks.
- Chill Dough: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours, or up to 4 days.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 13-16 minutes until the edges are set, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.