Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic cookie up a notch with a deep, nutty flavor and gooey, melty chocolate chunks in every bite. By browning the butter, I get a rich, toasty aroma that adds a new dimension to the cookie’s sweetness. These cookies are chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and totally irresistible straight from the oven—or even days later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies taste gourmet with just a simple change to the butter. Browning it gives the dough a caramel-like depth that regular chocolate chip cookies just don’t have. They’re easy to make with pantry staples, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. The browned butter, melty pools of chocolate, and hint of vanilla all work together to create a cookie I want to bake again and again.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks or chips

• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

directions

1. I start by browning the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty—about 5–7 minutes. Then I let it cool slightly.

2. In a mixing bowl, I whisk the browned butter with both sugars until smooth.

3. I beat in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, I mix the flour, baking soda, and salt, then slowly add it to the wet ingredients.

5. I stir in the chocolate chunks by hand so they stay nice and intact.

6. I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if I have time) to help the cookies hold their shape and deepen the flavor.

7. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets, and sprinkle with flaky salt if I’m using it.

8. I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Then I let them cool slightly before devouring.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time takes 20 minutes, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling, and baking takes 10–12 minutes per batch.

Variations

Sometimes I use chopped dark chocolate bars instead of chips for bigger pockets of melted chocolate. I’ve also folded in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If I want a slightly thicker cookie, I add a tablespoon more flour or chill the dough a bit longer. A touch of cinnamon or espresso powder also adds a subtle twist.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—I freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen with just a couple extra minutes in the oven. To reheat, I pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

What is browned butter, and why use it?

Browning butter means cooking it until the milk solids toast, creating a rich, nutty flavor. I use it to deepen the flavor and add complexity to the cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, I always chill the dough to keep the cookies from spreading too much and to help the flavors develop. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely. I’ve used milk chocolate for a sweeter version, though I prefer the balance dark or semi-sweet chocolate gives.

Why are my cookies too flat?

That can happen if the butter is too hot when I mix it in or if I skip chilling the dough. Letting the browned butter cool and chilling the dough helps prevent spreading.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. It makes the cookies taste even better.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything I want in a dessert—rich, chewy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The browned butter adds an elevated twist that makes them unforgettable, and they’re simple enough for any baking skill level. Whether I bake a batch for a party or just to treat myself, these cookies always hit the spot.