If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies with a rich, nutty flavor, these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try! The secret to their incredible taste lies in browning the butter, which gives the cookies a deep, caramelized flavor. These cookies are chewy, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Brown the Butter:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and let cool for 10 minutes.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor).
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy, nutty, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness! Perfect for any occasion.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate experience. The melted chocolate chips combined with the chewy texture will make them irresistible.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a perfect treat any time of day.
- If serving for a gathering or special occasion, consider arranging the cookies on a decorative platter and adding a few sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a more festive presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay soft and chewy if properly stored.
- If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out.
- To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-baked taste again.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Brown Butter Cookies:
Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet flavor. The rich, nutty brown butter will complement the deeper chocolate taste. - Nutty Brown Butter Cookies:
Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and a toasted flavor. The nuts will pair wonderfully with the nutty undertones of the browned butter. - Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and complements the caramelized flavor of the browned butter. - Cinnamon Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor. This will add a comforting twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie. - Toffee Brown Butter Cookies:
For an extra layer of sweetness, mix in toffee bits or crushed Heath bars into the dough. The toffee will melt into the cookies, adding a caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the brown butter. - Oatmeal Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
For a chewier texture, add 1 ½ cups of rolled oats to the dough. This gives the cookies a more rustic, hearty feel while still keeping the delicious chocolate and brown butter combination. - Peanut Butter Brown Butter Cookies:
Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor. The peanut butter works wonderfully with the brown butter and chocolate chips, creating a flavor-packed cookie. - Coconut Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut’s chewy texture and subtle sweetness pair well with the caramelized brown butter and rich chocolate. - Espresso Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the flavor of the chocolate. The espresso enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a depth of flavor. - Gluten-Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 flour replacement to ensure the texture and flavor stay consistent with the original recipe.
FAQs
- What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The key difference is the use of browned butter. Browning the butter gives it a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds depth and richness to the cookies. - Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can omit the added salt in the recipe. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can substitute margarine for butter, it may alter the flavor and texture. The rich, nutty taste from browned butter is hard to replicate with margarine. - How can I ensure the cookies stay chewy?
To keep these cookies chewy, don’t overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. - Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. - How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. - Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor. However, keep in mind that milk chocolate will result in a sweeter cookie than semi-sweet chocolate. - What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper for baking?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease your baking sheets or use a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough helps solidify the fat in the cookies, preventing them from spreading too much during baking. While you can skip this step, for best results, it’s recommended to chill the dough for at least an hour. - How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so it’s important not to overbake them.
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delicious twist on the classic recipe, thanks to the nutty, caramelized flavor of the browned butter. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to satisfy any craving. Happy baking!
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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description
If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies with a rich, nutty flavor, these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try! The secret to their incredible taste lies in browning the butter, which gives the cookies a deep, caramelized flavor. These cookies are chewy, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Here’s how to make them!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Brown the Butter:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and let cool for 10 minutes.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor).
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy, nutty, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness! Perfect for any occasion.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate experience. The melted chocolate chips combined with the chewy texture will make them irresistible.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a perfect treat any time of day.
- If serving for a gathering or special occasion, consider arranging the cookies on a decorative platter and adding a few sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a more festive presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay soft and chewy if properly stored.
- If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out.
- To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-baked taste again.