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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Easy Perfect Flaky Sea Salt Treats

brown butter chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies feature a rich, caramel-like depth from browned butter and a surprising pop of flaky sea salt, making them an irresistible sweet-salty treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, browned until nutty and fragrant
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (270 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (Maldon salt flakes recommended)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts, foams, and then turns a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar and 3/4 cup (165 g) packed brown sugar. Pour in the slightly cooled browned butter. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and combined.
  3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups (270 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Optional: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to control spreading and deepen flavors.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look soft.
  10. Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt atop each warm cookie.
  11. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Let browned butter cool slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling. Chilling dough is optional but recommended for better shape and flavor depth. Baking time may vary by oven; bake until edges are golden and centers look soft. Use quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, flaky sea salt, easy cookies, homemade cookies, sweet and salty, comfort food, quick dessert