Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips and a hint of sea salt in these delectable cookies.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-14T15:17:16.423Z

These Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies are not your average cookie. The process of browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that takes these treats to the next level. The combination of sweet chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a perfect balance, making each bite a delightful experience.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt
Soft and chewy texture that everyone will adore
Great for sharing or enjoying on your own!

      

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a staple in gourmet baking that transforms ordinary recipes into extraordinary treats. The process of browning butter involves gently heating it until the milk solids toast to a rich, golden hue, releasing a deep, nutty flavor that elevates any dish. This technique is simple yet incredibly effective, bringing a complex depth to your chocolate chip cookies. As the butter browns, it develops a flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate, making every bite a luxurious experience.

In these Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies, the brown butter not only adds flavor but also enhances the overall texture. It contributes to a chewy consistency while ensuring the cookies remain soft and moist. The transformation from regular butter to brown butter is a game changer, and once you try it, you might never go back!

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of sweet chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. The sea salt enhances the richness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the brown butter, making each bite a well-rounded treat. This balanced flavor profile is what truly sets these cookies apart, ensuring they are not overly sweet but rather a harmonious blend of flavors that leave you craving more.

Using high-quality semisweet chocolate chips is crucial for achieving the perfect chocolatey goodness in these cookies. The chocolate should melt beautifully, creating pockets of gooeyness that pair perfectly with the slightly crispy edges and chewy centers. This combination guarantees that every bite is an indulgent experience.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with these cookies, it’s essential to chill the dough. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours, giving you the flexibility to bake fresh cookies whenever you desire. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they retain their soft and chewy texture.

When baking, keep an eye on the cookies as they approach the end of the recommended baking time. Every oven is different, and the cookies should be removed when the edges are just lightly golden, while the centers may still appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in the perfect cookie every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Cool and Enjoy

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

Storage and Freshness

To maintain the freshness of your Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them soft and chewy for several days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once solid. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy homemade cookies anytime.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. This will restore their deliciously soft texture, making them taste as good as freshly baked!

Customization Ideas

While this recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an added crunch. You could also substitute half of the semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips to create a unique flavor profile that you love. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can also add a tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the brown butter perfectly.

If you're a fan of spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with these variations can lead to your own signature cookie recipe!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, it may not provide the same rich flavor that brown butter offers.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semisweet chocolate chips work best, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.