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.
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.
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.
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.
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Delicious Desserts Made Simple
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
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.
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.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout 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.
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.
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