Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Because brown butter makes everything better!

Buckle up, cookie lovers! Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's near and dear to my heart. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they're a slice of baking heaven that has been a staple in my kitchen for years. Whenever there's a gathering, whether it's with friends or family, these cookies are always the first to disappear. They're a perfect blend of rich chocolate and the magical touch of brown butter, making them a true crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and let's dive into baking bliss together!

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring that the cookies are not overly salty. It also allows the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter to shine through without being masked by saltiness.
  

• Light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor and moist texture to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste and texture. It also helps to create a chewy and tender cookie.
  

• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps to create a soft and tender texture. It also aids in browning and caramelization, adding depth of flavor to the cookies.
  

• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive dough. It also adds moisture and richness to the cookies, resulting in a softer and more tender texture.
  

• Egg yolks: Egg yolks add richness and tenderness to the cookies, creating a softer and more velvety texture. They also contribute to the overall flavor of the cookies.
  

• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a rich and aromatic vanilla essence. It complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips, adding a depth of flavor.
  

• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides the right amount of structure and texture to the cookies, creating a tender and chewy cookie. It blends well with the other ingredients, ensuring that the cookies bake evenly and have a uniform texture.
  

• Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acid in the brown sugar, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that expand during baking, resulting in a soft and airy texture.
  

• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and intensifying other flavors. It also strengthens the dough, helping to control the spread of the cookies during baking.
  

• Chopped up dark chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a rich and intense chocolate flavor to the cookies. It melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookies and adding bursts of chocolatey goodness.
  

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness and a rich chocolate flavor to the cookies. They hold their shape well during baking, adding pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookies.

What is brown butter?

Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette, is a simple yet transformative ingredient in baking. It is made by heating butter until it undergoes a process called the Maillard reaction, where the milk solids in the butter caramelize, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor and aroma. Brown butter adds depth and complexity to baked goods, enhancing their overall flavor profile.

Benefits of Baking with Brown Butter:

1. Enhanced Flavor: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to baked goods, elevating their taste and making them more flavorful.

2. Aroma: The process of browning butter releases a delicious aroma that enhances the baking experience and adds to the overall enjoyment of the finished product.

3. Versatility: Brown butter can be used in a variety of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and breads, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes.

4. Appearance: Brown butter gives baked goods a beautiful golden color, making them visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Brown Butter:

1. Prepare the Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting.

2. Melt the Butter: Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat.

3. Heat the Butter: Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.

4. Watch for Foaming: As the butter heats, it will start to foam. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, to prevent burning.

5. Brown the Butter: The butter will begin to turn a golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning.

6. Remove from Heat: Once the butter reaches a deep golden brown color, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

7. Cool the Butter: Transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl to cool. Use it immediately in your recipe, or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

By following these steps, you can easily make brown butter at home to enhance the flavor and aroma of your favorite baked goods.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Mix sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and slightly cooled brown butter. Mix until well combined.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Incorporate 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.

6. Fold in chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

8. Form cookie dough balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

9. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly undercooked, but they will continue to set as they cool.

10. Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious cookies warm or at room temperature!

Storage Tips:

To store Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To reheat the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the cookies for 10-20 seconds. Enjoy!

Brown butter is a game-changer in baking, imparting a rich, nutty flavor and aroma that elevates any recipe. Its versatility and ability to enhance the overall taste and appearance of baked goods make it a favorite among bakers. By mastering the art of making brown butter, you can take your baking to the next level and create delicious treats that will impress friends and family alike.

If you're ready to elevate your baking game, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @munchiesbymallory for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Don't forget to tag me in your remakes and leave a review below to let me know how your baking adventures turn out. Happy baking!