Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cookie recipe, offering a rich nutty flavor and irresistible chewy texture. The browned butter deepens the taste, making these cookies extra indulgent with every bite. Paired with melty chocolate chips, they’re the perfect treat for cookie lovers.
This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet gourmet enough to impress guests or elevate your cookie jar. With a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you can bake bakery-style cookies right at home.
Whether served warm with milk, packed for lunch, or enjoyed as a midnight snack, these brown butter chocolate chip cookies never disappoint. Their aroma alone will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
– Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by browning the butter. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks with a spatula. If desired, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes for thicker cookies.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the sheet.
Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain slightly soft. For extra indulgence, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking.
Step 8: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)
Calories: 210
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back the fresh-baked texture.
You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
They also go wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or vanilla ice cream for a dessert sandwich.
For a gourmet touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or sandwich two cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Seasonal Relevance
These cookies are perfect year-round but feel extra special during the holidays when warm, comforting desserts are in demand.
They’re also ideal for bake sales, birthday parties, or cozy nights in during fall and winter.
Summer gatherings and picnics also benefit from a tray of these indulgent cookies.
Health Benefits
While indulgent, brown butter chocolate chip cookies do provide quick energy from carbohydrates and fats, making them a satisfying treat in moderation.
Dark chocolate chips can offer antioxidants and a small boost of iron and magnesium.
Baking at home also means you control ingredients, allowing you to use organic butter, less sugar, or whole-grain flour to improve nutrition.

Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich, nutty flavor from browned butter | Slightly more prep time to brown butter |
| Chewy, gooey, and bakery-style | Higher calorie dessert |
| Easy to make with basic pantry items | Not suitable for dairy-free diets without substitutions |
| Perfect for all occasions | Can be tempting to overeat |
| Customizable with mix-ins like nuts or caramel | Dough may require chilling for best results |
Conclusion
Brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a delicious upgrade to the classic cookie recipe, offering deep caramelized flavor and irresistible texture. The browned butter adds a gourmet twist while keeping the process approachable for any home baker.
Whether you make them for holidays, family treats, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Warm, gooey, and perfectly chewy, they’ll quickly become your go-to cookie recipe.
Bake a batch once, and you’ll understand why browned butter is the secret ingredient that transforms everyday cookies into something truly unforgettable.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Course: Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipes24
servings15
minutes12
minutes210
kcalThese brown butter chocolate chip cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with flavor. The browned butter adds a toasty, nutty depth that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
– Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Directions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips or chunks. Chill dough 30–60 minutes if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into balls and arrange evenly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chewy, golden cookies made with nutty brown butter and melty chocolate chips.Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center for the best bite.An upgraded twist on the classic cookie, ideal for any occasion.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Q2: Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but recommended for thicker cookies with richer flavor.
Q3: Can I substitute other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips for variety.
