Introduction
Baking cookies is an art, and perfecting that art requires not just skill but also the right ingredients. This article brings you a rich chocolate chip cookie recipe that features the nutty flavor of browned butter. With a perfect balance of sugars and chocolate, these cookies promise a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the components that make this cookie extraordinary.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2½ cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
Prep Time
15-20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
This cookie recipe stands out with its blend of flavors and textures. From the nutty aroma of browned butter to the gooey chocolate chips, each bite envelopes you in warmth and sweetness. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Brown the Butter
Cut the butter into small pieces for even melting. Melt the butter in a wide stainless steel skillet over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will become bubbly and then foamy. Once it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Mix Sugars and Vanilla
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cooled browned butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
Add Eggs
Add the eggs to the mixture and beat for 1-2 minutes until the batter is shiny and smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined into a dense, shiny dough.
Cool the Dough
Allow the dough to cool for 15-20 minutes to prevent the chocolate chips from melting when added.
Add Chocolate Chips
Once the dough has cooled, mix in the chocolate chips or chunks by hand. Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to hydrate the flour and enhance the browned butter flavor.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Portion and Bake
Scoop or roll the cookie dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 minutes, or until the edges appear cooked but the centers remain slightly soft and puffy.
Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the centers to set and develop a dense, chewy texture.
Notes
Butter Browning
Be attentive while browning the butter, as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.
Mixing Tips
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation during mixing.
Cooling Time
Allowing the dough to cool after mixing prevents the chocolate chips from melting too much when added.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Cook Techniques
Brown the Butter
Cut the butter into small pieces for even melting. Melt in a wide stainless steel skillet over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma.
Mix Sugars and Vanilla
In an electric mixer bowl, combine cooled browned butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
Add Eggs
Incorporate eggs into the mixture and beat for 1-2 minutes until the batter is shiny and smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined into a dense, shiny dough.
Cool the Dough
Allow the dough to cool for 15-20 minutes to prevent the chocolate chips from melting when added.
Add Chocolate Chips
Mix in chocolate chips or chunks by hand once the dough has cooled. Let the dough rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to hydrate the flour and enhance the browned butter flavor.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Portion and Bake
Scoop or roll the cookie dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 minutes until the edges appear cooked and the centers remain slightly soft and puffy.
Cool the Cookies
Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on baking sheets for 15-20 minutes to allow the centers to set and develop a dense, chewy texture.
FAQ
What is the purpose of browning the butter?
Browning the butter enhances the flavor, giving it a nutty aroma and complexity that elevates the overall taste of the cookies.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Why do I need to cool the dough before adding chocolate chips?
Cooling the dough prevents the chocolate chips from melting too much, allowing them to hold their shape better in the baked cookies.
What does resting the dough do?
Resting the dough hydrates the flour, enhancing the texture and flavor of the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges appear cooked, and the centers are still slightly soft and puffy. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I substitute other types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even fruit or nut mixtures as substitutes for chocolate chips or chunks.
Conclusion
These brown butter chocolate chip cookies combine rich flavors and a chewy texture, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The browning of the butter adds a unique nuttiness that elevates the classic cookie recipe to new heights. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or store them for a later indulgence.
Chocolate Chip and Walnut Cookies
Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough for a crunchy and nutty variation that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats into the dough for a heartier cookie. The oats add texture and make the cookies even more satisfying.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a refreshing twist. Substitute half of the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Swirl in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated touch.
Chocolate Chip Caramel Swirl Cookies
Fold in pieces of caramel candy or drizzle caramel sauce into the dough before baking for a gooey, indulgent cookie experience.
Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a rich coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
