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Perfect Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Easy Homemade with Flaky Sea Salt

brown butter chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These cookies feature a nutty, rich flavor from browned butter, gooey centers, crisp edges, and a surprising pop of flaky sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, they are quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed (110g) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips or chunks (semi-sweet and bittersweet mix recommended)
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it melts, foams, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Mix sugars and browned butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and the cooled browned butter. Beat until smooth and creamy (2 minutes).
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until glossy and slightly thickened (1-2 minutes).
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined (2-3 minutes). Avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in chocolate: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chunks (1-2 minutes).
  6. Chill dough (optional): Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour for thicker, chewier cookies. Baking immediately is also fine.
  7. Scoop and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop dough onto sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers look set but soft.
  8. Add flaky sea salt: Immediately after baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie while warm.
  9. Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; it should be golden with a nutty aroma. Let browned butter cool before mixing with sugars to prevent dough seizing. Chilling dough is optional but helps control spreading and enhances flavor. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning. Flaky sea salt is essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, flaky sea salt, easy cookies, homemade cookies, chewy cookies, crisp edges