Name: The BEST Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 10 tablespoon salted butter (brown until golden); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (measure accurately); 0.75 teaspoon baking soda (adjust for taller cookies); 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.67 cup packed light brown sugar; 0.33 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 oz dark chocolate (coarsely chopped into chunks); 0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips; flaky sea salt (optional for topping)

Introduction to Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Personal Love for Homemade Cookies

There's something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. For me, homemade cookies have always been a cozy comfort food, evoking memories of family gatherings and joyful holidays spent in the kitchen. Among the endless varieties, chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies hold a special place in my heart.

The secret lies in the brown butter — it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary! This toasty ingredient brings a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with melted chocolate. When you take that first bite, the combination of rich, nutty undertones and gooey chocolate won’t just tantalize your taste buds; it will wrap you in a warm hug. Have you ever experienced the joy of pulling a perfect cookie from the oven, with its crisp edges and a soft, gooey center?

If you’re ready to elevate your cookie game and impress your friends, you’re in for a treat. These chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies are satisfyingly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. So, let’s embark on this delightful baking adventure together!

For more on the art of baking, check out this guide to cookie techniques, which provides tips to ensure your cookies are always a hit!

Ingredients for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Essential ingredients breakdown

Creating the best chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies starts with some essential ingredients that come together to create that rich flavor and perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salted Butter (10 tbsp): Adds flavor and moisture. Browning it first enhances the nuttiness!
All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Make sure to measure accurately for the right texture—too much can lead to dry cookies.
Baking Soda (¾ tsp): Helps cookies rise and become that perfect chewy texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Brings out all the flavors.
Brown Sugar (⅔ cup) and Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup): Using a mix gives the cookies crisp edges and a chewy center.
Large Egg: Provides structure and richness.
Milk (1 tbsp): Helps with moisture and richness in the dough.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A necessary flavor enhancer.
Chocolate: You’ll need both dark chocolate chunks (3 oz) and semisweet chips (½ cup) for that decadent chocolate experience.

Optional enhancements for flavor

While the essential ingredients are a must, there are some delightful enhancements you might consider:

Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkling some on top before baking brings a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Nut Mix-ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
Espresso Powder: Just a pinch can elevate the chocolate flavor, making it even more intense.

For an enriching experience, consider using quality chocolate, such as Callebaut bittersweet chocolate, which you can find here. Happy baking!

Step-by-step Preparation of Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the ultimate chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies is a delightful adventure that begins with your ingredients and methods. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be on your way to whipping up cookies that are rich, buttery, and oh-so-tempting. Let’s dive in!

Brown the Butter

First things first—browning the butter is crucial. In a stainless steel saucepan, melt 10 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, as you want those lovely brown bits to form—this could take about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells nutty and you see a deep golden color. Once browned, pour it into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes. (Pro tip: Use a digital thermometer to ensure it’s just above room temperature, around 90°F).

Combine Dry Ingredients

While waiting for the butter to cool, let's tackle the dry ingredients! In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This step is super important; it helps your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies rise perfectly, ensuring a lovely texture.

Mix Sugars with Brown Butter

Now, grab your cooled brown butter and combine it with ⅔ cup of packed light brown sugar and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Mix gently using a spatula, or get your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Blend until the mixture resembles thick, wet sand—it should be luscious!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up! Add one large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature), 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mix. Stir until it’s creamy and cohesive. Avoid vigorous mixing at this stage—keep it gentle so the butter doesn't firm up on you.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate

Carefully fold or mix in your dry ingredients just until they’re mostly combined. Now comes the best part: add in 3 oz of chopped dark chocolate and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens!

Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, though 4 hours is even better. This crucial step enhances flavor and texture, ensuring your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies are truly exceptional.

Prep the Baking Sheets

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your cookies.

Bake the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (about 1.35 oz), portion your dough into 14 even pieces and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until they're golden on the edges and soft in the center.

Cool and Finish with Sea Salt

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For a delightful finish, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Enjoy these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite alternative beverage for the ultimate treat!

Now that you have this handy step-by-step guide, you're set to impress everyone with these delicious cookies. Happy baking!

Variations on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutty Additions – Pecans or Walnuts

For those who love a little crunch, adding chopped pecans or walnuts can elevate your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies to a delightful new level. These nuts not only offer an enjoyable texture but also enhance the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter. Simply fold in about ½ cup of your chosen nuts when mixing in the chocolate, and you'll find a satisfying balance between chewy and crunchy in every bite.

Flavor Twists with Peanut Butter

Feeling adventurous? Swapping out a portion of the butter for creamy or crunchy peanut butter introduces a delightful twist and pairs beautifully with chocolate. Try substituting ¼ cup of the butter and see how this small change can reinvent your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies. The nutty undertones of peanut butter will add a unique flavor profile that keeps everyone guessing and coming back for more!

Explore these variations to make your cookies even more irresistible and enjoy the delicious results!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Precision in Measuring Ingredients

When it comes to making chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, precision is key. Use a kitchen scale to ensure your ingredients are measured accurately. For instance, an exact 1 ½ cups of flour should weigh around 215 grams. A small variation can lead to cookies that are either too flat or too thick. For more measuring tips, check out resources on baking techniques.

Importance of Chilling Dough

Chilling the cookie dough is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture. Refrigerating the dough for at least two hours allows the flavors to meld and reduces spreading during baking. If you’re pressed for time, an hour will do in a pinch, but be patient! The end result will be worth it. Not convinced? Explore the science behind dough chilling in this insightful article from Serious Eats.

Serving Suggestions for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing with milk or coffee

What better way to enjoy your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies than with a cold glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee? The classic chocolate chip cookie and chilled milk combo brings back childhood memories, while a warm cup of coffee enhances the nutty flavors of brown butter, creating a delicious contrast in every bite. For a fun twist, try almond milk for a nutty complement or a mocha for an extra caffeine kick.

Creative serving ideas

Elevate your serving game by presenting your cookies in a fun way! Stack a few chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies on a decorative plate, and add a scoop of artisanal ice cream on top for a delightful sundae. Alternatively, serve them warm with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and drizzle of caramel sauce for a gourmet dessert. For a cozy evening, package individual cookies in a kraft paper bag tied with twine for a sweet gift or treat for friends!

Time Breakdown for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation Time

Get your baking game on with just 10 minutes of prep time! This includes gathering your ingredients, browning the butter, and mixing in the joyful chocolate chunks.

Chilling Time

For those perfectly chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, allow the dough to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you have time, a longer chill helps deepen the flavors!

Baking Time

When you’re ready to bake, it only takes about 10 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden on the edges, still soft in the center!

Total Time

In total, you’ll need approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to whip up a batch of these dreamy cookies. But trust me, the wait will be absolutely worth it!

Nutritional Facts for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calories per cookie

Each of these deliciously chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies contains approximately 150 calories. This makes them the perfect indulgence when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying mindful of your calorie intake.

Key nutrients breakdown

These cookies offer a delightful balance of taste and nutrition:

Fat: About 7g, primarily from the brown butter—contributing to that rich, nutty flavor.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g, providing quick energy, thanks in part to the sugars and flour.
Protein: Around 2g—though not a major protein source, it does help with satiety.
Fiber: About 1g, promoting digestive health.

For detailed nutritional information and tips on healthier baking alternatives, explore resources like the USDA FoodData Central and consider ingredient swaps that can reduce sugar or fat content without sacrificing flavor!

FAQs about Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to achieve chewiness in cookies?

To get that irresistible chewiness in your cookies, the secret lies in the fat to flour ratio and the chilling time. Make sure to use brown butter, which adds a deeper flavor and moisture. Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 24!) allows the flour to absorb the moisture and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This results in thick, chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies that are simply divine.

What type of chocolate is best?

For the ultimate flavor explosion, opt for a mix of dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate offers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the cookie, while semisweet chips provide that classic chocolate chip cookie experience. Experimenting with different chocolate percentages can also elevate your cookies—try using 60% to 70% cacao for an intense bite!

Can I freeze cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze your cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and shape the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh, warm chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies whenever the craving strikes! Just remember to extend the baking time by a minute or two if baking from frozen.

Conclusion on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies is an experience you won’t forget! The rich flavors, heavenly texture, and delightful aroma emanating from your kitchen make them worth every minute. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, they’re sure to charm everyone around you!