Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in these perfect Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies that are crispy and golden on the outside and irresistibly gooey in the middle. These delectable cookies feature the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with melty chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Rich, Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies, making them irresistibly delicious.
Perfect Texture: These cookies achieve the ideal balance of textures—crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining gooey and soft in the middle.
Melty Chocolate Chips: Every bite is filled with melty, gooey chocolate chips that satisfy your sweet tooth and chocolate cravings.
Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch, these cookies offer a homemade touch that is both comforting and satisfying.
Aromatic Delight: The process of browning the butter fills your kitchen with a delightful nutty aroma, adding to the baking experience.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven, with a glass of milk, or as a base for ice cream sandwiches—these cookies are versatile and delicious in any form.
Simple Ingredients: Made with simple, everyday ingredients, these cookies are easy to whip up without the need for special trips to the store.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these cookies are straightforward to make, even for beginner bakers.
Freezer-Friendly: You can make a big batch and freeze the dough balls for later, ensuring you always have freshly baked cookies on hand.
Impressive Presentation: Their golden brown exterior and gooey center make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or sharing on social media.
Nostalgic Comfort: These cookies offer a nostalgic comfort that brings back childhood memories with every bite.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Brown the Butter Properly: Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Let it cool slightly before using.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, heavy cream, and brown butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the dough.
Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours (ideally 2-4 hours). Chilling the dough helps control spread and enhances the flavors.
Scoop Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion out evenly sized dough balls. This ensures uniform baking and consistent texture in all cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips Last: Fold in the chocolate chips gently to avoid overworking the dough and to ensure an even distribution of chocolate in each cookie.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
Space Cookies Properly: Leave enough space between the dough balls on the baking sheet to allow for spreading. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from merging.
Bake Until Edges Are Golden: Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, creating a gooey center.
Let Cookies Cool on Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and maintain their shape.
Adjust Baking Time for Crispiness: If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes. For gooier centers, reduce the baking time slightly.
Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them fresh as needed.
Experiment with Add-Ins: While chocolate chips are classic, you can experiment with other add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate for variety.
Test Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer can help you maintain the precise temperature needed for perfect cookies.
How to Store Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Room Temperature:
Duration: Up to 1 week
Method: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container or cookie jar. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This keeps them fresh and maintains their crispy and gooey texture.
Refrigeration:
Duration: Up to 2 weeks
Method: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This can help extend their shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Duration: Up to 3 months
Method: Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
Duration: Up to 3 months
Method: Portion the dough into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake the dough balls directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating Cookies:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy edges and gooey centers.
Microwave: Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but can sometimes make the cookies slightly chewy.
Storing with Freshness Preservers:
Bread Slice: Place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will help maintain the cookies' moisture and keep them soft. Replace the bread slice as it becomes stale.
Apple Slice: Alternatively, use a slice of apple in the container for the same effect. The apple slice can help keep the cookies fresh and moist.
FAQs:
Q: Why use brown butter in chocolate chip cookies?
A: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies, giving them a unique depth and complexity.
Q: How do I brown butter properly?
A: Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Let it cool slightly before using in the dough.
Q: Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?
A: Yes, you can use regular melted butter, but the cookies won't have the same rich, nutty flavor that brown butter provides.
Q: Why is my cookie dough too sticky?
A: If the dough is too sticky, it might be because the brown butter was too warm or the dough wasn't chilled enough. Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours to make it easier to handle.
Q: How do I ensure the cookies are crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle?
A: Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. This can enhance the flavor and make baking more convenient.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure to use a proper balance of ingredients, especially flour and butter.
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use a mix of chocolate chips, chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars. Dark, milk, and white chocolate all work well in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat the cookies?
A: To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This restores their crispy edges and gooey centers.
Q: Why are my cookies turning out flat?
A: Flat cookies can result from butter that is too warm, not enough flour, or overmixing the dough. Ensure the dough is chilled, measure ingredients accurately, and mix until just combined.
Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even toffee bits can be added to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Q: What if my brown butter solidifies before I can mix it into the dough?
A: If the brown butter solidifies, gently reheat it until it’s pourable again. Be sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough to avoid cooking the eggs.
Check out my other brown butter recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Happy baking!
