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Flavorful Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Flake

brown butter chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies with sea salt flakes offer a nutty, caramelized flavor with perfectly crisp edges and soft, gooey centers. The sea salt flakes add a delightful salty crunch that balances the sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, browned
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • About 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, for sprinkling after baking

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter (about 5-7 minutes): Place 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts, foams, and starts to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately once small brown bits form and a toasted scent is present.
  2. Cool slightly (about 10 minutes): Transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl and let it cool until warm but not hot.
  3. Mix sugars and butter: Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar to the browned butter. Stir until combined and smooth.
  4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated and dough looks glossy.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  6. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  8. Chill the dough (optional but recommended, 30 minutes): Helps cookies keep shape and enhances flavor.
  9. Scoop and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes: Cookies should be golden brown on edges but soft in center. They will firm up as they cool.
  11. Add sea salt flakes immediately after baking: While cookies are warm, sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes on each cookie.
  12. Cool on a wire rack: Let cookies rest at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Watch butter carefully while browning to avoid burning. Chilling dough is optional but recommended for better texture and shape. Add sea salt flakes immediately after baking for best flavor contrast. Avoid overmixing dough to keep cookies tender. Store in airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, sea salt flakes, homemade cookies, easy dessert, quick cookies, chewy cookies, crispy edges