Description

Dense, chewy, and deeply caramelized cookies made with nutty brown butter and topped with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
1 ½ cups (300g) packed brown sugar
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (mix of semi-sweet chips and chopped chocolate bar)
Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

Brown the butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns deep amber and smells nutty. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl. Cool for 10-15 minutes until liquid but not hot.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until glossy. Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until thickened and pale.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Make the dough: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to hydrate flour and prevent spreading.
Scoop and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden but centers look soft.
Salt and cool: Immediately sprinkle cookies with flaky sea salt upon removing from oven. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough for 24 hours significantly deepens the flavor. Use a scale for accuracy with flour. Do not overbake; cookies continue to cook on the hot pan after removal. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 120
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: brown butter cookies, fudgy chocolate chip cookies, flaky sea salt cookies, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, dessert recipe