Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with the classic sweetness of chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies.
These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just your average cookies; they are a delightful treat that brings a unique twist to a classic favorite. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the chocolate chips, while the sprinkle of sea salt on top creates a perfect balance.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
- A delightful contrast of sweet and salty
- Perfect for sharing or as a personal sweet treat
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a culinary secret that elevates the flavor of baked goods. When butter is browned, the milk solids caramelize, creating a deep, nutty aroma that adds complexity to any recipe. This rich flavor not only enhances the sweetness of chocolate chips but also provides a delightful contrast that makes your cookies truly irresistible.
To achieve perfectly browned butter, cook it over medium heat, stirring frequently. You'll want to watch for the color to turn golden brown and for a fragrant nutty scent to fill your kitchen. This transformation takes about 5-7 minutes, but the result is worth every second. Just be careful not to let it burn, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
Balancing Sweet and Salty
One of the standout features of these cookies is the balance between sweet and salty flavors. The addition of sea salt on top of the warm cookies enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and the richness of the brown butter. This delightful contrast not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates a more complex flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more.
Sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on each cookie just before baking allows it to slightly melt into the dough, creating pockets of salty goodness that surprise and delight. This simple step can take your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, making them perfect for special occasions or simply for enjoying at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These brown butter sea salt chocolate chip cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just in need of a sweet treat, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their rich flavor and appealing texture make them a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them a go-to recipe for cookie lovers of all ages.
The cookies also store well, meaning you can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged beautifully, spreading joy to friends and family alike.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt for topping
Mix well and enjoy your cookie creation!
Instructions
Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. For the best results, use the spoon-and-level method for flour—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour and dense cookies.
Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also improve the texture. This step allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is a classic, feel free to experiment with add-ins to create your own signature cookies. Consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. You can also swap some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate to cater to your personal preference.
For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and give your cookies a subtle coffee undertone that pairs perfectly with the richness of the brown butter.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your dessert experience. The warm cookies paired with cold ice cream create a mouthwatering contrast that is simply irresistible.
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the flavor, making them a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you do, reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze the dough balls, then bake from frozen when ready.
→ What is the best way to soften butter quickly?
You can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with the classic sweetness of chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt for topping
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g