There’s a certain warmth that envelops a kitchen when cookies are baking, one that instantly transports me to my childhood. The rich, nutty scent of brown butter mingling with the sweetness of dark chocolate chips creates an irresistible atmosphere. On a recent afternoon, I decided to elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie into something extraordinary. After a few playful experiments, I emerged with these Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies that not only boast depth of flavor but also a delightful balance of sweetness and savory punch.
What makes these cookies truly special is the use of brown butter, which adds a layer of complexity that will have your guests guessing your secret. And we’ll finish each cookie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a touch that takes this recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable. If you’re tired of the same old cookie routine or seeking a new showstopper for your gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends alike! Let’s dive into the details and bring those enchanting scents into your home today.
Why are Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies a must-try?
Irresistibly Rich Flavor: Infusing brown butter into your cookies elevates the traditional taste with nutty undertones that will tantalize your palate.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of dark chocolate chips and a touch of flaky sea salt creates a divine contrast, taking every bite to new heights.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: This recipe is easy to follow for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs, proving that gourmet treats can be made at home.
Ultimate Crowd Pleaser: Bring these cookies to your next gathering, and watch them disappear—they’re sure to become a favorite among friends and family!
Warm, Comforting Aroma: The irresistible smell that fills your kitchen while these cookies bake is a captivating reminder of home and joy.
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Salted Butter – 1 cup, browned for a nutty depth that enhances flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups for the perfect cookie texture.
• Sea Salt – 1 teaspoon to amplify sweetness and flavor.
• Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon for that light, fluffy rise.
• Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup offers a classic sweetness.
• Brown Sugar – ½ cup (packed) adds moisture and richness.
• Large Eggs – 2 to bind everything together perfectly.
• Cold Water – 1 tablespoon to keep the dough soft and pliable.
• Vanilla – 1 tablespoon for a warm, fragrant touch.
• Dark Chocolate – 8 ounces (chunks or chopped from a bar) for indulgent bites of chocolatey goodness.
For the Topping
• Flaky Sea Salt – a sprinkle to finish, bringing out the chocolate and enhancing the cookie’s complexity.
With these ingredients, you’re not just making cookies; you’re crafting a delightful experience. Enjoy creating your Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Make Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter, stirring occasionally. Cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Mix the Sugars: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then pour in the browned butter. Mix until combined and creamy.
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Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and cold water for extra moisture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing for the best texture.
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Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Add Flaky Sea Salt: Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for an exquisite touch.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Optional: Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking routine! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and pop them into the preheated oven. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, just-baked cookies with the same delightful taste without the added last-minute effort!
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these tempting ideas to personalize your cookies and make them your own!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness in every bite.
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Oatmeal Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier, chewy version that’s delightful and rustic.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne for warmth that beautifully enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Different Chocolates: Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate chips to create your favorite flavor combination that’ll surely satisfy sweet cravings.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in ½ cup of dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries for a burst of tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate those with dietary sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
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Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for an entirely plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Coffee Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the mix for a rich mocha flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Experimenting with these variations not only keeps things exciting but can also lead to discovering your new favorite cookie!
Expert Tips for Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Brown Butter Perfection: Ensure you watch the butter closely while browning to prevent burning. The perfect brown butter should smell nutty and have a deep golden color.
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Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and creates a chewy texture.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft, chewy delight we aim for with these brown butter sea salt chocolate chip cookies.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chunks or bars. The better the chocolate, the more indulgent your cookies will taste.
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Flaky Salt Finish: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt topping! It enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible.
What to Serve with Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Warm cookies fresh from the oven radiate comfort and joy, inviting delightful pairings to enhance their flavor and experience.
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Cold Milk: The classic match! A tall glass of chilled milk balances the sweetness and rich flavors, making every bite heavenly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent dessert that blends warmth and cold bliss.
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Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee complements the nutty undertones of the brown butter, enhancing the cookie’s depth without overshadowing its sweetness.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a fresh, tart contrast to the decadence of the cookies, brightening each mouthful delightfully.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over these cookies takes the indulgence up a notch. The extra chocolate flavor pairs beautifully, satisfying the sweet tooth!
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Nutty Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate with a sprinkle of nuts echoes the cookie’s flavors and makes for an irresistible cozy treat.
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Caramel Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, a touch of caramel drizzled on top adds a delicious layer of complexity that complements the salted finish.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea harmonize perfectly with the rich flavors of the cookies, creating an aromatic and satisfying pairing.
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Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad introduces a burst of color and natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the cookies nicely.
How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage solution, place cookies in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or heat briefly in the oven.
Reheating: To revive the warm, freshly-baked taste, reheat cookies in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) after they’ve been frozen.
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! Use salted butter for this recipe, as it enhances the overall flavor profile with its rich taste. The browning process brings out nutty undertones, making your cookies even more delicious!
How should I store my cookies after baking?
To maintain the freshness and texture of your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze my Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cookies in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, ensuring they’re well-sealed, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that just-baked taste.
What if my cookie dough is too soft?
If your cookie dough is too soft, chilled it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the butter and allows the cookies to hold their shape during baking. Also, make sure you added your flour gradually and didn’t overmix the dough, as this can also affect texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Very much! While dark chocolate provides rich and deep flavors, feel free to experiment with semi-sweet chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie. You can mix in nuts or other add-ins if you’re feeling adventurous—after all, the more the merrier!
Are these cookies suitable for my dietary restrictions?
While these cookies contain gluten and dairy, there are simple substitutions you can make. Try using gluten-free flour and a dairy-free butter alternative to accommodate gluten sensitivities and lactose intolerance. Always check the specific brands for allergy considerations, especially if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies You'll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter, stirring occasionally. Cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Sugars: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then pour in the browned butter. Mix until combined and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and cold water for extra moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing for the best texture.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, ensuring they're evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt: Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for an exquisite touch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.