Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies​

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

Indulge in these decadent Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine the nutty flavor of brown butter with the perfect touch of sea salt.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-14T13:46:16.684Z

These cookies are not your average chocolate chip cookies. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates each bite, making these cookies a true indulgence. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee!

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a culinary secret that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a deep, nutty flavor that enhances any recipe. When incorporated into cookies, brown butter adds a rich, complex taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate. This technique is simple yet effective, making it a must-try for any home baker looking to elevate their treats.

Not only does brown butter impart an incredible flavor, but it also contributes to a rich, chewy texture in cookies. As the cookies bake, the brown butter helps create a crispy edge while keeping the center soft and gooey. The result is a delightful contrast of textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Once you experience the depth that brown butter brings, you'll want to use it in all your cookie recipes.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

One of the standout features of these Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies is the delightful combination of sweet and salty. The addition of flaky sea salt on top not only enhances the flavor profile but also creates an enticing contrast with the sweetness of the chocolate chips and brown sugar. This balance is key to making these cookies irresistible, as the salt amplifies the overall taste, making each bite more satisfying.

When you take a bite of these cookies, the burst of rich chocolate combined with a hint of sea salt creates a flavor experience that is both comforting and exciting. This culinary trend of adding salt to sweet treats has gained immense popularity, and for good reason. It elevates the sweet notes while introducing a savory element that keeps you coming back for more. It's a simple touch that makes a significant difference.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will impress your family and friends. Their rich flavor and beautiful texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring they will disappear quickly at any event.

Additionally, these cookies make a wonderful gift. Imagine presenting a batch of freshly baked cookies in a beautiful tin or box. They are perfect for sharing with neighbors, friends, or as a thoughtful gesture for someone special. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is bound to bring smiles, making them an excellent way to spread joy and warmth.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor!

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to hold their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Storage Tips

To keep your Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing the dough. You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the cookie balls to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

If you've baked a large batch, you can also freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their warm, gooey goodness.

Variations to Try

While the classic version of these cookies is undeniably delicious, there are several variations you can try to switch things up. Consider adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor. You could also mix in different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

For a seasonal twist, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during the mixing process. These spices can add warmth and depth, especially during the fall and winter months. Another fun idea is to add toffee bits or dried fruits for a chewy texture and a burst of flavor, making these cookies even more irresistible.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe if you do.

→ How can I make these cookies chewy?

For chewier cookies, try not to over-bake them; remove them from the oven while they are still soft in the center.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor.

Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies​

Indulge in these decadent Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine the nutty flavor of brown butter with the perfect touch of sea salt.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  10. Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 05

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to hold their shape while baking.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 07

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

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