Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with the perfect sweetness of chocolate chips, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. The process of browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates them to a new level, while the sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty with a sprinkle of sea salt
- Soft, chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge
- Ideal for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a simple yet transformative ingredient that elevates any recipe. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, creating a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to baked goods. This technique not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful golden hue to your cookies, making them visually appealing.
In these Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, the brown butter serves as the star ingredient. Its unique flavor profile beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creating a balance that is both satisfying and irresistible. Taking the time to brown your butter might seem like an extra step, but it's one that pays off with every bite.
The Perfect Sweet and Salty Combo
Achieving the perfect balance of sweet and salty is an art, and these cookies do it flawlessly. The combination of rich chocolate and nutty brown butter is already a delight, but the finishing touch of sea salt elevates this treat to a whole new level. As you bite into the cookie, the slight crunch of the salt contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of the cookie, creating a satisfying experience for your taste buds.
This sprinkle of sea salt not only enhances the flavors but also adds a gourmet touch to what is typically a classic cookie. It’s this contrast that makes these cookies so addictive; you can’t help but reach for another, and another, and maybe even another!
Baking Tips for Success
Baking cookies is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. When making Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, it's important to let the butter cool slightly after browning. This helps prevent the eggs from curdling when mixed in, ensuring a smooth and well-combined dough. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.
Another key tip is to use a cookie scoop for even portions. This not only ensures uniform baking but also gives each cookie a professional look. Remember to space the dough balls out on the baking sheet to allow for spreading while baking. Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect cookies every time!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Make sure to use quality chocolate chips for the best flavor!
Instructions
Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Serving Suggestions
These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The warm cookies will melt the ice cream slightly, creating a deliciously gooey experience you won't want to miss.
For a touch of elegance, consider packaging these cookies as gifts. Place them in a decorative box or jar, and add a handwritten note for a personal touch. They make for a delightful treat that friends and family will appreciate, especially during holidays or special events.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for several days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to bake, simply take the dough out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. This will ensure even baking and the perfect texture. With these storage tips, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
→ How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
→ What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can also use dark or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.
Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter paired with the perfect sweetness of chocolate chips, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g