Name: The BEST Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 10 tablespoon salted butter (brown the butter); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (measure accurately or the cookies will spread too much); 0.75 teaspoon baking soda (see notes in FAQ section regarding adjustments 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 plus extra for topping); 0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips; flaky sea salt (optional for topping)

Introduction to Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, few things can compete with the joy of a perfectly baked chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookie. The warm, gooey texture combined with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter creates a cookie experience that’s nothing short of divine. There's something magical about biting into a cookie that's crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, rich with chocolate chips ready to melt in your mouth.

Why Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Are the Ultimate Treat

So why are chewy chocolate chip cookies considered the ultimate treat? For starters, their texture offers a delightful chewiness that sets them apart from their crispy counterparts, making every bite a pleasure. The brown butter adds depth and complexity, elevating a classic recipe to gourmet status.

Moreover, cookies evoke nostalgia, reminding many of childhood baking sessions or late-night treats. You can even customize them with your favorite chocolate types or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that extra zing. If you're looking for the perfect sweet reward after a long day or a cozy weekend baking session, these cookies are the answer.

Ready to dive into baking? Learn more about the science of cookie-making here.

Ingredients for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Essential ingredients for the perfect cookie

To create the ultimate chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, you'll need these essential ingredients:

10 tablespoons (140g) salted butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates your cookies.
1 ½ cups (215g) all-purpose flour: Accurate measurement is key; it prevents excessive spreading.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: A crucial leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
⅔ cup (145g) packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar: Sweetness and crispness come from the granulated sugar.
1 large egg at room temperature: Binds ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
1 tablespoon (15ml) milk: Keeps dough moist without making it overly wet.
1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract: For that irresistible, warm aroma.
3 oz (85g) dark chocolate: Chunks for richness and texture, plus extra for topping.
½ cup (85g) semisweet chocolate chips: Additional chocolate goodness!

Optional toppings for an extra touch

To take your cookies over the top, consider these optional toppings:

Flaky sea salt: Just a sprinkle adds an exquisite contrast to the sweetness.
Additional chocolate chunks: For those who can't get enough chocolate!
Chopped nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding walnuts or pecans for texture.

With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to baking the most delicious chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies! Happy baking!

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

Baking the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookies is an art! If you want your cookies to be ultra-flavorful, chewy, and simply irresistible, follow these step-by-step instructions. Trust me, you’re going to want to bake these again and again!

Brown the Butter for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating 10 tablespoons (140g) of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts, then watch it carefully as it turns golden and produces little brown specks. This delicious browning process is where the magic happens, adding a nutty, rich flavor to your cookies. Once done, pour the brown butter into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 20-30 minutes. Just a heads-up: It should be warmer than room temperature, ideally around 90-93°F, to ensure the perfect texture of your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups (215g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and helps prevent lumps. A well-blended dry mix is essential for the best cookie structure.

Mix in the Sugars and Wet Ingredients

Once your brown butter has cooled, combine it with ⅔ cup (145g) of packed light brown sugar and ⅓ cup (65g) of granulated sugar in a larger bowl. Use a spatula to blend until it resembles thick wet sand. Next, add 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of pure vanilla extract. Mix until you achieve a creamy consistency, but don’t whisk vigorously, or the butter could firm up.

Fold in the Flour and Chocolate

Now it’s time to introduce your dry ingredients to the wet mix. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until it’s mostly combined, then add 3 oz (85g) of coarsely chopped dark chocolate, alongside ½ cup (85g) of semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until you see those chocolatey goodness evenly distributed throughout the dough!

Chill the Dough for the Best Texture

This step is crucial. Cover your bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour—2-4 hours is even better for maximum flavor. Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also helps create that chewy texture everyone loves.

Bake the Cookies to Gooey Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop 1.35 oz (about 2 oz) of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Space them about 3 inches apart and don’t flatten them! Bake for 8-10 minutes until they're golden on top and soft in the middle. Allow the cookies to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Feel free to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for that added touch of luxury.

Enjoy your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies! With their rich flavor and gooey center, they are sure to be a hit. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your thoughts—you may discover a new favorite!

Variations on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adding nuts for crunch

Looking to elevate your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies? Toss in a handful of your favorite nuts! Walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts can add a delightful crunch and complement the rich butter flavor. Simply fold in about ½ cup of coarsely chopped nuts when you add the chocolate for that perfect, satisfying texture.

Experimenting with different chocolate types

Don’t be afraid to play around with chocolate! For a unique twist, try using a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolates. You'll create a sweet symphony that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of brown butter. The key is to balance the sweetness—so opt for higher cocoa percentages for darker chocolates to keep your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies deliciously rich without overwhelming sweetness.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Importance of Measuring Ingredients Accurately

When it comes to baking, especially with chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, precision is key. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately, particularly flour, as too much can lead to cookies that spread too thin. A light touch with the flour scoop method can result in light and delicious cookies that stay perfectly chewy.

Recommended Chilling Times for Best Results

Chilling the cookie dough is critical for developing depth of flavor and achieving that desirable chewy texture. Aim for a chilling time of at least 2 hours, although overnight is even better. A well-chilled dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies turn out just right.

For more tips on achieving the perfect cookie texture, check out this guide on baking chemistry.

Serving Suggestions for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing with Milk or Coffee

To elevate your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, consider a refreshing pairing with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter complements the smoothness of milk beautifully. Similarly, the robust profile of coffee enhances the cookies' sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds singing. Don't forget to try flavored creams or nut milk like almond or oat for a twist!

Creative Ways to Serve Warm Cookies

Serving your cookies straight from the oven is a game-changer. Consider creating a warm cookie sandwich by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies—vanilla bean or salted caramel work wonders here. Another creative twist? Drizzle some melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that gourmet touch. You can even serve them with fresh fruit! Strawberries or sliced bananas add a refreshing burst that balances the cookie’s richness. For more ideas, check out popular food blogs like Bon Appétit or Serious Eats.

Time Breakdown for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation Time

Get ready to indulge! The preparation for these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies takes about 20 minutes. This includes browning your butter and mixing all your delicious ingredients together.

Chilling Time

Chilling the dough helps enhance the flavors and texture. Aim to chill your cookie dough for at least 2 hours, but if you’re short on time, 1 hour will do in a pinch!

Total Baking Time

Once the dough is ready, you'll bake the cookies for approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them: golden brown edges and a soft middle are the markers of perfectly baked cookies.

Enjoy this delightful process, and soon enough, you'll be delighting in the most delicious cookies ever! For more tips on making the perfect cookie, check out this guide.

Nutritional Facts for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calories per cookie
Each chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookie contains approximately 180 calories. This is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors, making it well worth the indulgence, especially after a long day.

Sugars and fats breakdown
In terms of sugars and fats, each cookie holds about 10g of sugar and 8g of fat (most of which comes from the delicious browned butter). While these cookies are a tasty treat, enjoy them in moderation to balance your diet! For more information, consider checking out Nutrition.gov for reliable dietary insights.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these delectable cookies, and savor every bite!

FAQs about Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

What does brown butter do to cookies?

Brown butter elevates your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies by adding a rich, nutty flavor that regular butter simply can’t match. The browning process caramelizes the milk solids, resulting in a depth of flavor that's beautifully complex. This transformation not only makes the cookies taste gourmet but also contributes to their chewy texture, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.

Can these cookies be made without chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. Just remember, without chilling, your cookies may spread more than anticipated. For chewy perfection, it's best to allow at least an hour in the fridge if possible.

How should I store leftover cookies?

To keep your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll stay delicious for up to three months. For quick access, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!

Conclusion on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat, try making these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies today! The luscious brown butter adds a rich flavor that elevates this classic favorite. With a chewy texture and melty chocolate chunks, they’ll definitely impress friends and family. You won’t regret it!

Why You Should Try Making These Cookies at Home Today

Baking these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies at home is a delightful way to impress yourself and the people you care about. Here’s why you should whip up a batch today:

Unmatched Flavor: The brown butter offers a unique nuttiness that takes the traditional chocolate chip cookie to another level. If you’ve never experienced it, you’re in for a treat!
Customization: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Want to add nuts? Go for it! Prefer dark chocolate over semisweet? Make the switch!
A Creative Outlet: Baking can be a fun and relaxing way to unwind after a busy day. Plus, it’s a great way to channel your inner chef.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, homemade cookies are always a hit.

So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to some heavenly cookies today! If you’re interested in more cookie variations, check out this helpful guide on the science of baking cookies here. Happy baking!