Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together warmth and nostalgia in every bite. Imagine the delightful aroma of nutty brown butter drifting through your kitchen as you prepare a classic favorite with an elevated twist. The process is a mix of simple ingredients and a few special touches that make these cookies stand out. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with delicious dark chocolate. Every bite promises a warm hug, perfect for sharing with family or friends. It’s that perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flair. So let’s get started on making these irresistible treats that will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion!

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these cookies lies in the brown butter. This unique toasty flavor enhances the richness of traditional chocolate chip cookies, making them extra special. The butter’s nuttiness pairs beautifully with the chocolate, creating a satisfying depth of flavor. Furthermore, the combination of brown and granulated sugars results in a perfect balance of chewiness and crispness, allowing each cookie to have a delightful texture.

Don’t forget the egg yolks! They contribute to a tender crumb that makes the cookies melt in your mouth. When you add heavy cream, you introduce moisture that elevates the overall texture. The result? Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies that are so good, they’ll leave you and your loved ones craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

You’ll absolutely adore these cookies because they perfectly blend nostalgia with indulgence. They remind us of cozy childhood days, yet they carry an air of sophistication that adults will appreciate, too. Each bite is packed with melty dark chocolate, offering an incredibly satisfying experience that will keep you reaching for more.

But what really takes these cookies to the next level is the sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This simple addition provides an irresistible contrast to the sweetness, making each cookie feel like a gourmet treat. With a mix of familiar flavors and a touch of elegance, you’ll soon find this recipe becoming a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (196 g) unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 3 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) heavy cream
• 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate bars, chopped
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Prepare the Brown Butter

Heat and Brown the Butter

First, grab a medium saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it! You want it to simmer, creating a frothy surface and a nutty aroma, which usually takes about 5-8 minutes. As it cooks, the butter will turn a lovely golden brown.

Once it reaches that point, carefully pour it into a bowl, making sure to scrape up those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cool until it’s at room temperature. This step is crucial, as hot butter can scramble the egg yolks later.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are evenly blended—it only takes a minute! After you’ve done this, set the bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

Mix the Sugars with the Brown Butter

Now it’s time to bring the flavors together. Pour that perfectly cooled brown butter into a large mixing bowl. Add both the brown sugar and granulated sugars. Whisk them together until the mixture is well-combined and looks liquidy.

Add the Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Cream

Next, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the bowl. Whisk everything until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are mixed well, creating a silky batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies tender.

Add the Chocolates

Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the cookie magic truly begins!

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop and Arrange the Dough

Grab a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons in size) and scoop out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball to give them room to spread out while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. For perfectly round cookies, gently scoot them with a circular cookie cutter right after pulling them from the oven.

Cool and Finish

Let Cool and Add Flaky Sea Salt

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, give each cookie a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to finish off your gourmet creation.

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed warm. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, serve them alongside coffee or espresso to really enhance that delectable chocolate flavor.

Tips for Success

To ensure everything turns out perfectly, make sure your butter has cooled enough before mixing it with the egg yolks; you don’t want to risk cooking them! For those who love a chewier texture, take care not to overmix once the dry and wet ingredients are combined.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! You can swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter version or use white chocolate for a unique twist. Also, adding in nuts like walnuts or pecans will give your cookies an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Storage Tips

To enjoy these cookies over time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to skip the additional salt in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be lightly golden around the edges while still soft in the center.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for as much as a month.

4. What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaked cookies will turn dry rather than chewy. Keep a close watch!

5. Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Experiment with different types of chocolate or dried fruit for added flavor.

So there you have it! These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit. Share them with friends, savor them yourself, or whip them up for any occasion. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Happy baking!

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