These delicious chocolate chip cookies are an indulgent dessert recipe with a rich, nutty brown butter base and perfectly melted chocolate chunks. With a soft, chewy center and slightly crispy edges, these cookies are perfect for any dessert lover looking for a classic sweet treat.
1large egg plus 1 large egg yolkat room temperature
1tablespoonvanilla extract
1¾cupsall-purpose flour
¾teaspoonbaking soda
¾teaspoonsalt
8ouncessemisweet or bittersweet chocolatecoarsely chopped (or 1½ cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips)
Flaky sea saltfor sprinkling (optional)
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Instructions
Prepare Brown Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula, scraping the sides and bottom every 10-15 seconds.
Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and you see tiny brown bits forming, releasing a nutty aroma. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the butter from heat and let it cool in the saucepan for about 10 minutes.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Add the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a spatula to gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Add Chocolate:
Gently fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies:
Use a 1½-ounce cookie scoop (or about 3 tablespoons) to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake:
Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the cookies have spread, edges are golden, but the centers remain soft.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For best flavor, chill the dough overnight.
The brown butter is crucial for the nutty, rich flavor in these cookies.
Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
The flaky sea salt is optional but adds a perfect touch of balance to the sweetness.