Name: The BEST Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 10 tablespoon salted butter; ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measure accurately or the cookies will spread too much); ¾ teaspoon baking soda (see notes in FAQ section regarding adjustments for taller cookies); ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 oz dark chocolate (coarsely chopped into chunks plus extra for topping); ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips; flaky sea salt (optional for topping)

Introduction to Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

What makes chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies so irresistible? It’s all about that perfect balance between texture and flavor. When you bite into a cookie, the delightful chewiness paired with a rich, buttery taste creates a satisfying experience that’s hard to beat. Chewy cookies tend to stay softer for longer, making them a fantastic homemade dessert choice for gatherings, late-night snacks, or simply winding down after a long day.

Chewy cookies often have a thick, gooey center surrounded by slightly crispy edges, which adds to their appeal. Brown butter takes this classic treat up a notch, bringing in nutty notes and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Elevating your cookie game doesn't require culinary school training; it can be as simple as using high-quality chocolate or perfecting your butter browning technique.

Diving into a batch of chewy cookies is a cozy reminder of home. Whether you're baking for a crowd or having a self-care moment with a warm cookie and a glass of milk, these chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies are sure to impress. So grab your apron—let’s get baking! Wouldn't you agree that nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen?

For tips on achieving the best results, check out resources on baking techniques or cookie science.

Ingredients for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Essential ingredients for rich, chewy cookies

Creating the perfect chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salted Butter: 10 tablespoons, melted and browned for that nutty richness.
All-purpose Flour: Measure accurately at 1 ½ cups to ensure the right cookie texture.
Baking Soda & Salt: Just the right amounts (¾ teaspoon baking soda and ¼ teaspoon salt) to give your cookies lift and flavor.
Sugars: A combination of light brown sugar (⅔ cup) for moisture and granulated sugar (⅓ cup) for crispness.
Egg & Milk: One large egg at room temperature and 1 tablespoon of milk add moisture and aid in binding.

Recommended brands for optimal flavor

Quality goes a long way in baking! For the best results:

Butter: Look for Kerrygold or Plugrá for rich flavor.
Flour: King Arthur Flour is a great choice for consistent performance.
Chocolate: I recommend using Callebaut bittersweet chocolate for chunks and Ghirardelli or Nestlé semisweet chocolate chips.

These brands can elevate your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies to the next level, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds!

Preparing Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies might just be the highlight of your week, especially with their irresistible nutty flavor and delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Let's dive into the steps to achieve cookie perfection!

Brown the Butter

The magic begins by transforming regular butter into brown butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies to another level. Start by melting 10 tablespoons (140g) of salted butter in a 1-quart stainless steel saucepan. Watch carefully, stirring occasionally. In about 8-10 minutes, you'll see brown specks and a creamy foam develop on the surface. As soon as this happens, pour the butter into a large mixing bowl to cool for 20-30 minutes. Pro tip: The ideal temperature for your brown butter should be slightly warmer than room temperature, around 32 to 34°C (90 to 93°F).

Combine and Mix Dry Ingredients

While the butter is cooling, it's time to prep your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups (215g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until well combined. This step is crucial to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed, giving your cookies a nice lift while maintaining that chewy interior.

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s bring those wet ingredients together! Add the cooled brown butter to a large bowl along with ⅔ cup (145g) of packed light brown sugar and ⅓ cup (65g) of granulated sugar. Use a spatula to gently mix these until you achieve a texture resembling thick wet sand—smooth yet somewhat gritty. Next, incorporate one large egg (make sure it's at room temperature), 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined but avoid vigorous beating to keep that dreamy, chewy texture.

Fold in Chocolate

It’s time to bring in the star ingredients! Gently fold in 3 oz (85g) of coarsely chopped dark chocolate and ½ cup (85g) of semisweet chocolate chips. This is where personal preference comes into play—feel free to add extra chocolate chunks on top before baking to create a deliciously decadent appearance.

Chill and Rest the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least two hours, although four hours or overnight is even better. This resting period enhances the flavors and textures, making your cookies even chewier and more flavorful.

Bake to Perfection

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1.35-oz cookie scoop, portion the dough into 14 smooth balls, spacing them about three inches apart on the baking sheets. Press any leftover chocolate chunks on top if you like. Bake for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and soft in the middle. After taking them out, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Now you're all set to enjoy your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies! Trust me, they're going to become a favorite in your household—even with the toughest cookie critics!

Variations on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutty Additions Like Walnuts or Pecans

Elevate your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies by incorporating nuts! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and complementary flavor. For a unique twist, try toasting the nuts lightly before mixing them into the dough; this enhances their nutty aroma and richness. Just remember, balance is key! A half-cup of nuts will work wonders without overwhelming that irresistible chocolate flavor.

Different Types of Chocolate Combinations

When it comes to chocolate, the possibilities are endless. You can mix semisweet chocolate chips with dark or even white chocolate, offering a delightful contrast in sweetness. For the adventurous, why not try incorporating chocolate-covered espresso beans for a caffeine kick or chocolate toffee bits for extra texture? Adjusting the chocolate ratios not only transforms flavor but also adds an exciting visual appeal to your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Baking Notes for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

To create those irresistibly chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, texture is key. Here are essential tips to help you nail it:

Brown the Butter Right: Properly browned butter adds depth and a nutty flavor. Make sure to let it cool slightly before mixing it with other ingredients; warm but not hot is the goal.
Measure Accurately: Weigh your ingredients, especially flour, to prevent overly spread cookies. Using a kitchen scale can make a difference in texture.
Chill the Dough: Let the cookie dough chill for 2-4 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and achieving that delightful chewiness.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Remove them when they’re soft in the center but golden on the edges for the best results.

With these tips in your baking arsenal, you’re well on your way to cookie perfection! For more detailed baking techniques, check out Serious Eats.

Serving suggestions for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect pairings with beverages

There’s nothing quite like enjoying chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. Elevate your experience with a few thoughtfully chosen beverages. A tall glass of cold milk is a timeless classic, perfectly complementing the cookies' rich, buttery flavors. If you want to get creative, try pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a decadent hot chocolate. The contrast of warmth and sweetness can turn snack time into a mini celebration.

For a refreshing twist, serve your cookies with a chilled vanilla almond milk or even a fruity herbal tea. These combinations not only enhance the cookies' delightful taste but create a well-rounded treat that’ll have your friends asking for seconds!

Tips for Making Perfect Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Baking chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common pitfalls can affect the final result:

Overbrowning the Butter: Keep a close eye on your butter while browning it. It should be golden, not burnt. Aim for that dreamy nutty aroma and those lovely specks of brown.
Measurement Errors: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out your flour—too much, and you'll end up with dry cookies.
Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t rush this step! Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and texture by preventing excess spreading during baking.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection! If you're interested in more tips, check out King Arthur Baking for in-depth baking advice.

Time Details for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you're planning to bake the best chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, it’s important to factor in the time you'll need. Here's a quick overview of the key time elements for this delicious recipe:

Preparation Time

This cookie dough requires about 10 minutes of prep. The actual active work is minimal; most of the time will be spent waiting for your brown butter to cool. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured out beforehand to streamline the process!

Baking Time

Once your dough is ready and chilled, you'll spend about 10 minutes baking the cookies. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you'll want them golden brown on top and slightly gooey in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Total Time

Altogether, you’re looking at a total time commitment of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. This includes chilling the dough for 2 hours for that rich flavor and ideal texture. Remember, it’s worth the wait for these amazingly decadent cookies!

Baking can be so rewarding and therapeutic, so grab your ingredients and let’s get started! For more tips on working with brown butter, check out this guide on browning butter. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calories

In each delectable chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookie, you'll find approximately 180 calories. This makes them a perfect treat to enjoy in moderation without too much guilt!

Sugar Content

Each cookie contains about 12 grams of sugar, balancing sweetness and richness while complementing the nutty flavors of the brown butter. If you're conscious about sugar intake, consider adjusting the chocolate chip quantities to suit your preference.

Saturated Fat

With around 7 grams of saturated fat per cookie, these brown butter chocolate chip cookies are luxuriously rich, thanks to the butter. Just remember, a little indulgence now and then can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed wisely!

For more insights on maintaining a balanced diet while still enjoying your favorite treats, check out Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate.

FAQs about Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

How can I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve those delightful chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, focus on two key elements: brown sugar and chilling the dough. The higher moisture content in brown sugar contributes to chewiness, while chilling allows the dough to develop flavor and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Aim for at least 2 hours of chilling time for best results.

Can I use different types of sugar?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for light brown sugar and granulated sugar, feel free to experiment with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste. Just remember, the sugar blend you choose will affect texture and flavor, so consider the results you want!

What is the best way to store chewy cookies?

To keep your chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!

Conclusion on Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

In the world of cookies, chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies reign supreme. Their unique nuttiness and perfectly balanced sweetness make them unforgettable. Whether you indulge alone or share with friends, they're sure to become a favorite. Try them today and elevate your baking game!