Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience, look no further than brown butter chocolate chip cookies. The unique nutty flavor of brown butter elevates these cookies to a whole new level, creating a delightful treat that’s crispy on the edges and chewy in the center. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, while baking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 7g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 10g sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the brown butter.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven for a few minutes until soft.
Cooking Mistakes
- Burning the butter: Keep a close eye on it to avoid a burnt flavor.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Not cooling the butter: Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with sugars.
- Skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture.
- Using too much flour: Measure accurately to avoid dry cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white).
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

FAQs
What makes brown butter different from regular butter?
Brown butter is made by cooking butter until the milk solids caramelize, giving it a nutty flavor. This adds depth to your cookies, setting them apart from traditional recipes.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it won’t provide the same rich flavor as brown butter. For a more authentic taste, stick to real butter.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition and enhance the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm or if there’s too much butter. Chill your dough before baking to help maintain shape.
Conclusion
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The caramel notes from the brown butter combined with rich chocolate chips create a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
- Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the brown butter.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.