If you’re searching for the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had, look no further than browned butter chocolate chip cookies. The secret to their rich, nutty flavor lies in the browned butter, which transforms ordinary chocolate chip cookies into something extraordinary. These cookies are perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly chewy in the center.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making these incredible cookies, from mastering the art of browning butter to perfecting the dough chilling process. We’ll also answer common questions and offer tips for achieving perfect results every time.
What is Browned Butter?
Browned butter, or beurre noisette, is simply butter cooked until the milk solids caramelize. This process imparts a deep, nutty flavor to your baked goods that can’t be achieved with regular butter. The transformation of the butter gives these cookies their signature flavor.
How to brown butter: Place unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will melt, foam, and eventually turn a golden amber color as the milk solids toast. Remove the butter from the heat as soon as you smell the nutty aroma.
Learn the perfect technique for browning butter by visiting Serious Eats Browning Butter Guide.
Why Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Stand Out
These cookies are more than just a twist on a classic recipe. By incorporating browned butter, we elevate the flavor to create a unique caramelized, almost toffee-like richness. The balance between crispy edges and a chewy center makes them irresistible.
In addition to the browned butter, this recipe uses dark brown sugar to increase moisture and deepen the flavor profile. By combining two types of chocolate chips—semi-sweet and milk chocolate—you get an exciting range of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for the perfect browned butter chocolate chip cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
- Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as it foams and begins to turn golden brown.
- Once the butter gives off a nutty aroma, transfer it to a bowl to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.
3. Chill the Dough
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling helps develop the flavor and improves the cookie’s texture.
4. Preheat and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
5. Add the Finishing Touch
- While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect browned butter chocolate chip cookie
Achieving the perfect browned butter chocolate chip cookie is easier than you think if you follow these tips:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough improves the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to separate.
- Measure Your Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They will continue to bake on the sheet as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Use Browned Butter in Cookies?
Browned butter adds a deep, rich flavor that regular melted butter just can’t provide. It enhances the cookie’s overall taste by adding notes of caramel and nuttiness.
2. How Long Should I Chill the Dough?
The dough should be chilled for at least 2 hours, but overnight chilling is best. This step allows the butter to solidify and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a better texture and taste.
3. Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Which Chocolate Chips Are Best for This Recipe?
Using a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips gives the cookies a more complex flavor. You can substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense taste.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to take your chocolate chip cookies to the next level, browned butter chocolate chip cookies are the way to go. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you’ll create cookies that are crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle, and packed with incredible flavor. Try the recipe today and experience why these cookies are truly unforgettable!
By applying these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you’re sure to create cookies that leave everyone asking for more. Be sure to check out other helpful baking guides for mastering techniques like measuring flour or browning butter for the best results.