1 Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of cookies that strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, then these brown butter chocolate chip cookies will be your new obsession. With 1 cup of browned butter lending a luxurious, nutty depth, each cookie is like a little golden treasure, bursting with pockets of molten chocolate and finished with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt to enhance every flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon treat or sharing with friends, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these cookies comes down to 1 thoughtfully curated list of ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich depth provided by browned butter to the sweet bursts of chocolate that melt at the perfect moment.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, browned: Browning the butter enhances the flavor with caramel-like nuttiness that defines this cookie.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note to keep the cookies chewy and flavorful.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create crispy edges.
• 2 eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft, tender texture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that keeps your cookies from spreading too thin.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a pleasing texture.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chunks: Rich pockets of chocolate that melt gloriously in each bite.
• Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a finishing touch that accentuates the chocolate and brown butter.

How to Make 1

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring gently as it foams and then browns, revealing a warm, nutty aroma and golden color. This step is crucial because it transforms ordinary butter into the star flavor of these cookies. Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs

Whisk together the browned butter with 1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Then, add 2 eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that comforting sweetness with a hint of floral notes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy where it counts.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Fold in 1 ½ cups of dark chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough. These chunks will melt during baking, creating luscious pockets of chocolate that complement the brown butter beautifully.

Step 5: Chill and Scoop

Cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes—this step helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. Once chilled, scoop generous spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.

Step 6: Bake and Finish with Sea Salt

Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are gloriously golden but the centers still look a little soft. Right out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty contrast. Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve 1

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking not only highlights the richness of the brown butter and the sweetness of the chocolate but adds a gourmet touch that makes these cookies feel extra special. For a little extra indulgence, consider dusting with a light cocoa powder or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Side Dishes

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a dream when paired with a cold glass of milk, but they also shine alongside a frothy latte or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. If you want to keep things simple yet satisfying, a cup of your favorite tea or hot chocolate will complement their warm, buttery flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve 1 stack of these cookies tied with rustic twine on a wooden board, garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves. You can also sandwich softened ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go. These presentation ideas make them feel festive and inviting without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, perfect for keeping the cookie jar stocked for a sweet snack anytime you need it.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies whenever you want—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This warms them through and revives the gooey chocolate and crispy edges as if they were fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly.

Why do I need to brown the butter?

Browning butter develops complex, nutty flavors that add richness and depth to the cookies, setting them apart from traditional chocolate chip cookies. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Can I substitute chocolate chips for chunks?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks create big melty pockets of chocolate which some people love. Chocolate chips melt differently and can give a more uniform texture. Both work great, so pick your favorite.

Is chilling the dough really necessary?

Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much when baked, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with better texture and taste.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Try substituting all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor of the browned butter and chocolate will still shine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about 1 recipe that manages to be so simple yet deliver such unforgettable results. These brown butter chocolate chip cookies are a fantastic way to bring the warmth of home baking into your kitchen. The rich, nutty butter, combined with melty chocolate and a touch of salt, creates a taste experience you’ll want to share again and again. Give this 1 a try, and you might just find yourself making them over and over for every occasion!