Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Whisked Delight Recipes
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips, topped with a hint of sea salt.
These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. The brown butter provides a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to a gourmet treat. Topped with sea salt, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
- Chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges
- Delicious contrast of sweet cookies with flaky sea salt
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter is a culinary secret that elevates the flavor of any dish, especially baked goods. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a deep, nutty aroma that tantalizes the senses. This rich flavor profile enhances the overall experience of the Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, making them truly irresistible.
When you incorporate brown butter into your cookie dough, it not only adds a unique taste but also contributes to a chewy texture. The fat in the butter melds with the sugars, creating a beautifully balanced cookie that offers a slight crispness on the edges while maintaining a soft and gooey center. It's a delightful combination that will have you coming back for more.
Perfecting Your Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider using quality ingredients. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips to ensure that the chocolate flavor shines through. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the nutty brown butter is what makes these cookies a standout treat.
Another tip for perfect cookies is to avoid overmixing the dough. Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. This will help maintain the cookies' chewy texture and prevent them from becoming tough. Remember, a little care goes a long way in baking!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful cookies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your cookies:
Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your warm cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, though they’re likely to disappear much sooner! If you prefer soft cookies, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The bread will help retain moisture and keep the cookies fluffy.
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the dough. Simply scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy your Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly, creating a delightful experience. For a more adult pairing, try serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich espresso.
You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for an extra crunch. Dark chocolate chips, for instance, will give a more intense chocolate flavor, while chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely texture. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a favorite for everyone!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or white chocolate chips as a substitute.
Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips, topped with a hint of sea salt.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Whisked Delight Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g