Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Recipe with a Twist

I still remember the first time I browned butter while baking in my cozy kitchen—it filled the whole house with a warm, nutty aroma that made everyone curious. That’s how these browned butter chocolate chip cookies were born. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Each bite is customizable, comforting, and just the right balance of chewy and crisp. These cookies are a must-try for any home baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a chocolate chip cookie that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, these browned butter chocolate chip cookies are exactly what you need. The secret is browning the butter, which gives each cookie a rich, nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to something unforgettable. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, these cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a quick sweet treat.

Not only are these browned butter chocolate chip cookies irresistibly delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, anyone can bake them at home, even if you’re short on time. The recipe is customizable—add extra chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to make them uniquely yours. These cookies are a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Once you try these browned butter chocolate chip cookies, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in these browned butter chocolate chip cookies plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The star of the recipe is unsalted butter, browned to develop a nutty, caramel-like richness that makes the cookies irresistible. A combination of brown and granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture, while the eggs and egg yolk give a soft, chewy center. All-purpose flour forms the structure, and baking soda ensures the cookies rise perfectly. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, and chocolate chips add melty pockets of indulgence in every bite. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and accentuates the browned butter’s depth. Together, these ingredients create soft, chewy, and flavorful browned butter chocolate chip cookies that are both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for browned butter chocolate chip cookies
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Recipe with a Twist 13

🛒 Ingredients (for ~24 cookies):

For the Browned Butter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or mix of semi-sweet & milk)

How to Make This Recipe

Making these browned butter chocolate chip cookies is easier than you might think, and each step enhances the rich, nutty flavor that makes them so irresistible. The key is properly browning the butter, which develops a caramel-like aroma and deep flavor that infuses every cookie. Mixing the sugars with the browned butter ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Gradually adding the dry ingredients prevents overworking the dough, while folding in chocolate chips creates melty pockets of chocolate throughout. By following each step carefully, you’ll achieve bakery-style, soft, chewy, and flavorful browned butter chocolate chip cookies every time. These cookies are perfect for family-friendly treats, quick desserts, or special occasions, making them a versatile recipe for any home baker.

🛒 Steps:

  • Brown 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine browned butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
  • Beat in 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until creamy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  • Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions, spacing 2 inches apart.
  • Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
  • Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Baking browned butter chocolate chip cookies in oven
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Recipe with a Twist 14

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the best browned butter chocolate chip cookies, understanding how each ingredient works is key. Browning the butter is essential—it adds a deep, nutty flavor that transforms ordinary cookies into a rich, bakery-style treat. Sugars control sweetness and texture: brown sugar keeps cookies soft and chewy, while granulated sugar helps the edges crisp. Eggs provide structure and moisture, while the flour and baking soda ensure the cookies rise perfectly. Chocolate chips give melty, decadent bites, and salt balances all the flavors. By mastering these ingredients and following a few expert tips, you can consistently bake soft, chewy, flavorful browned butter chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Brown butter slowly over medium heat and remove immediately once it turns golden to prevent burning.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
  • Use a combination of egg + egg yolk for soft, chewy centers.
  • Do not overmix flour to avoid tough cookies.
  • Add extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt to intensify flavor.
  • Bake cookies on parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Four variations of browned butter chocolate chip cookies
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Recipe with a Twist 15

FAQs

What makes browned butter chocolate chip cookies different from regular cookies?

Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty, caramel-like flavor that transforms classic chocolate chip cookies into soft, chewy, bakery-style treats with rich, irresistible taste.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter allows better control over the flavor, ensuring your browned butter chocolate chip cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is properly cooled after browning. This helps the cookies hold their shape while keeping them soft and chewy.

Can I freeze the dough for later?

Absolutely. Portion the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen for fresh, soft, and chewy browned butter chocolate chip cookies anytime.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze baked cookies for longer storage. Proper storage preserves the chewy texture and rich browned butter flavor.

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These browned butter chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer for anyone who loves soft, chewy, and flavorful treats. The nutty, caramel-like flavor from the browned butter elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie, making it taste like it came from a bakery. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you need a comforting homemade dessert. With simple ingredients, customizable options, and foolproof steps, these browned butter chocolate chip cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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Close-up of browned butter chocolate chip cookie

Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
  • Yield: ~24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chewy, nutty, and irresistibly aromatic, these browned butter chocolate chip cookies elevate the classic cookie. The butter is cooked until golden brown, giving the cookies a deep caramel flavor, with soft centers and slightly crisp edges. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or gifting!


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for ~24 cookies):

For the Browned Butter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or mix of semi-sweet & milk)


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter foams, then turns golden brown and smells nutty (~5–7 minutes).

  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

  2. In a large bowl, combine browned butter with both sugars until smooth.

  3. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy.

  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

  5. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place 2 inches apart.

  3. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.

  4. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Chewy Cookies: Use a combination of egg + yolk for a soft center.
  • Flavor Boost: Chill dough 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavor.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
  • Category: Dessert / Cookies
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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