Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Description:
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of nutty, rich brown butter and sweet chocolate chips, resulting in a chewy, decadent cookie. The brown butter adds a deep, caramelized flavor that elevates the traditional chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness. A must-try for any cookie lover!

Ingredients (Makes about 24 cookies)

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks or 230 g)
• Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150 g)
• Brown sugar (packed): ¾ cup (150 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 ½ tsp
• All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups (280 g)
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 ½ cups (255 g)
• Chopped walnuts (optional): ½ cup (60 g)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
2. Brown the Butter: Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan every few seconds. The butter will start to foam and then turn a golden brown color. Once it turns a deep amber and gives off a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes), remove from heat. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Combine the Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add the Browned Butter: Pour the cooled brown butter into the sugar mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips (and walnuts, if using).

Step 3: Chill the Dough (Optional, but Recommended)

1. Chill for Better Flavor: For the best flavor and texture, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the dough to firm up and helps develop a deeper flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls (about 1 ½ inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are slightly soft.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: Browning the butter is what gives these cookies their rich, nutty flavor. Don’t be afraid of letting the butter get nice and brown—just be sure to watch it carefully.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and gives them a thicker, chewier texture.
• Customizing: You can swap in other mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or toffee bits for variety.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.

Recommendations:

• Serve with Milk: These cookies are perfect when paired with a glass of cold milk.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with them.
• Freezing: To freeze the cookie dough, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition (Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: ~200
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and indulgent. Once you try them, you may never go back to regular chocolate chip cookies!