Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Heavenly Dessert Creations

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

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2025-12-10T17:11:20.150Z

These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The brown butter adds a deep, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate and the crunch of the sea salt, making each bite a heavenly experience.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
Delicious contrast of sweet and salty with sea salt
Perfect texture – crispy edges and chewy center
Great for sharing or as a personal treat

      

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a culinary treasure that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The process of browning butter involves cooking it until the milk solids caramelize, creating a rich, nutty flavor profile that enhances baked goods. This technique is not only easy but also elevates the taste of your cookies, making each bite a delightful experience.

When you use brown butter in your chocolate chip cookies, you introduce a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate. The combination is simply irresistible, creating a cookie that is not only delicious but also memorable. This unique twist on a classic recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Balancing Sweet and Salty

The addition of flaky sea salt to these cookies is a game-changer. While traditional chocolate chip cookies are deliciously sweet, the sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall flavor, creating a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged. This sweet and salty balance is a hallmark of gourmet desserts, making these cookies feel indulgent and sophisticated.

Sea salt not only adds flavor but also provides a textural contrast to the soft, chewy cookie. As you take a bite, the salt crystals provide a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall cookie experience. This perfect pairing makes these cookies suitable for any occasion, whether you're enjoying them with a glass of milk or serving them at a gathering.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the ideal cookie texture is essential for creating a perfect chocolate chip cookie. In this recipe, the combination of brown butter and the right proportions of flour and sugars results in cookies with crispy edges and a chewy center. This contrast is what makes each bite so enjoyable, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that invites you back for more.

It's important to note that the baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the cookie dough scoops. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and remove them from the oven once the edges are golden brown. This will ensure that the centers remain soft and chewy, creating that perfect texture everyone loves.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

Instructions

Brown the Butter

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your sea salt brown butter chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If properly stored, these cookies can last up to a week, though they rarely last that long around cookie lovers!

For even longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their delicious texture.

Customization Ideas

One of the wonderful aspects of chocolate chip cookies is the versatility they offer. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist.

If you're looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the cookies a nuttier flavor and boost their nutritional value without sacrificing taste. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy night in or a festive gathering. For a fun serving idea, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert sandwich. The warm cookie combined with cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

You can also serve these cookies with a variety of beverages. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice, but they also pair wonderfully with coffee or even a rich hot chocolate. No matter how you serve them, these sea salt brown butter chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a hit!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unsweetened chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once solid.

→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can use white sugar, but the cookies will be less chewy and flavorful.