Description

These chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a fast, weeknight-friendly dessert that delivers bakery-quality flavor with simple pantry staples. They feature crispy edges, a gooey center, and a deep nutty aroma from browned butter.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet and milk)
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
1 cup toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Brown the butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams, crackles, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (5-7 minutes). Pour into a heat-proof bowl and cool for 10 minutes.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar vigorously for 2 minutes until glossy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; whisk until combined.
Add dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in chocolate: Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional toasted nuts.
Scoop and chill: Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. For best results, chill dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers look soft and underdone.
Cool and salt: Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.

Notes

Do not burn the butter; remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry cookies. Underbake slightly for a chewy center. Eggs should be room temperature to prevent the butter from seizing. Dough can be frozen for later use.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 120
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: brown butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, weeknight dessert, chewy cookies, easy baking, homemade cookies