Introduction to Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
If you're on the hunt for a cookie that delivers both a satisfying crunch and a soft, chewy center, look no further than brown butter chocolate chunk cookies. These decadent treats redefine what a cookie can be, combining the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with hefty chunks of semi-sweet chocolate.
What Makes Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies Irresistible?
So, what sets these cookies apart? First off, browning the butter enriches its flavor, adding a delightful caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. This process not only elevates the taste but also creates a dense, chewy texture that you'll crave. According to Serious Eats, the key to achieving the perfect brown butter is patience—watching it transform from a pale yellow to a beautiful, nutty brown color.
Another standout feature of these cookies is the balance of sweet and salty. Topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite becomes a harmonious experience with a delicious contrast in flavors. Who doesn’t love that sweet-and-salty combo?
Whether you've had a long day or just need a little pick-me-up, enjoying a brown butter chocolate chunk cookie with your favorite cup of tea or coffee is the ultimate indulgence. Ready to whip up a batch? Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Creating the ultimate brown butter chocolate chunk cookies starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delectable treats:
- Unsalted Butter: 12 tablespoons, cut into pieces. The key to achieving that rich, nutty flavor is brown butter, which brings a caramelized essence to your cookies.
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. This helps create a chewy texture and adds depth to the flavor. You can use light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand!
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. A touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the brown sugar.
- Eggs: 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk, both at room temperature. They enhance the dough’s moisture and binding properties.
- Whole Milk: 2 tablespoons. Just enough to keep everything creamy without making it too wet.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. A classic flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully.
For the dry ingredients, you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ⅔ cups, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon. A necessity for elevating flavor.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon and Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon. These leavening agents give your cookies that ideal rise.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 2 (4 oz.) bars, chopped, divided for a gooey chocolate experience.
- Flaky Sea Salt: For garnishing, adding a finishing touch of salty goodness.
By ensuring you have all these ingredients ready, you're setting yourself up for cookie perfection! If you’re looking for more baking tips, check out Baking 101 for excellent guidance. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Making brown butter chocolate chunk cookies can be a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a batch of cookies that are both crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Let's dive right in!
Gather and prep your ingredients
Before we start baking, it’s essential to have everything ready. Gather the following ingredients:
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk (both at room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp. whole milk
- 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- 2, 4 oz. bars semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for finishing touches
Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Brown the butter to perfection
Next, let’s get that butter brown! Place your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it melts—this is key so it doesn’t burn. Watch for the color to deepen to a rich amber and for a nutty aroma to fill your kitchen (about 5-7 minutes). The brown specks will add depth to your cookies! Once done, let the butter cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Combine sugars with the brown butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined using a hand mixer. The fluffy texture you achieve here is crucial for cookies that have that soft, chewy center we all love!
Incorporate eggs, milk, and vanilla
Add in your room-temperature egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until you achieve a smooth consistency. The eggs will add richness, while the vanilla gives a lovely aroma.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually sift this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Pro tip: Don't overmix; fold just until combined for the best texture.
Fold in chocolate chunks
Now for the fun part—fold in ¾ cup of your chocolate chunks. Save the rest for topping! The dough should feel somewhat moist; if it's dry, add a splash more milk.
Shape your cookie dough
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls, approximately the size of a tablespoon. Dunk the tops in the reserved chocolate chunks for beautiful presentation, and slightly flatten to ensure they stick.
Bake the cookies to golden-brown perfection
Place 6 cookie dough balls on each prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes (although I prefer to slightly underbake them for that chewy goodness). The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should look a tad gooey.
Cooling and finishing touches
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch!
Enjoy sharing (or keeping) your delicious brown butter chocolate chunk cookies — they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Now, who’s ready for cookie time?
Variations on Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Adding nuts for extra crunch
Enhance your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies by mixing in some chopped nuts! Walnuts or pecans make excellent candidates, adding a satisfying crunch alongside the rich, buttery flavors. You can toast the nuts lightly before incorporating them for an even deeper flavor profile. It’s an easy way to elevate your cookie game!
Experimenting with different chocolate types
Don't hesitate to play with various chocolate types to find your preferred sweetness and richness. Dark chocolate chunks offer intense flavor, while milk chocolate brings a creamier texture. For a fun twist, consider using white chocolate or even infused chocolate bars, like chili or sea salt caramel. The possibilities are endless! Explore and enjoy!
Baking Tips and Notes for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Baking brown butter chocolate chunk cookies is an absolute delight, but here are some insider tips to elevate your cookie game:
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Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch your butter closely as it browns; the nutty aroma is incredible, but it can turn quickly!
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Chill the Dough: If possible, allow your cookie dough to chill for 30 minutes. This step enhances flavor and prevents excessive spread while baking.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Go for high-quality semisweet chocolate. The taste difference is noticeable in each bite.
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Final Touch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It adds a nice contrast to the sweetness!
For more detailed baking techniques, check out this guide to cookie baking. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
When it comes to enjoying brown butter chocolate chunk cookies, there are endless possibilities! These delectable treats can stand alone, but pairing them takes the experience up a notch. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
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With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Warm your cookies slightly and serve them with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel frosty delight. The contrast between warm cookie and cold ice cream is pure bliss!
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Milk or Non-Dairy Alternatives: There’s nothing like a classic pairing of cookies with a tall glass of milk, be it dairy or a nut-based alternative. This always brings out the best flavors in your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for an energizing pick-me-up. The rich flavors complement each beverage superbly.
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Cookie Sandwich: For a fun twist, make cookie sandwiches by slathering your favorite frosting or nut butter in between two cookies.
These ideas will elevate your cookie experience and impress your friends at gatherings. Happy baking!
Tips for Making Perfect Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Brown butter chocolate chunk cookies are all about that rich, nutty flavor. Here are some simple tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
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Brown the Butter Correctly: Watch your butter closely as it browns to achieve that nutty aroma—remove it from the heat when it’s golden and fragrant. For more detailed guidance, check out this tutorial on how to brown butter.
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Choose Quality Chocolate: Using high-quality chocolate chunks enhances the taste. Mixed chocolate types can add a lovely depth.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold your ingredients until just combined. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
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Chill Your Dough: Letting your dough rest for a bit can amplify the flavors and improve texture!
With these tips, your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies will be an irresistible treat!
Time Breakdown for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Preparation time
Take about 30 minutes to gather your ingredients, brown the butter, and mix up your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies dough. This step includes letting the butter cool slightly, which is crucial for achieving that rich flavor.
Baking time
These delicious cookies bake for approximately 10-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the ideal cookie is slightly underbaked, ensuring that perfect chewiness!
Total time
From start to finish, you’ll be looking at around 40 minutes before you can dive into these mouthwatering treats. So gather your ingredients and let’s create some cookie magic!
Nutritional Facts for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
When indulging in these delightful brown butter chocolate chunk cookies, it's good to know what you're savoring. Each cookie packs a flavorful punch while keeping you informed about its nutritional profile.
Calories
Each cookie contains approximately 177 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t derail your day too much.
Protein
With 2 grams of protein per cookie, they provide a bit of sustenance alongside their deliciousness.
Sodium
The brown butter chocolate chunk cookies have about 168 mg of sodium, adding to the complexity of flavors without overwhelming your palate.
For those looking for a satisfying balance between indulging and nutrition, these cookies strike a delightful chord. If you're curious about making them healthier, consider swapping some ingredients or enjoying them as a treat, knowing the nutritional facts!
FAQs about Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
What does browning the butter do?
Browning the butter is a crucial step that elevates your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies to the next level. This process creates a nutty, caramel-like flavor and adds depth to your cookies. As the milk solids in the butter toast, you'll get those rich, complex notes that differentiate average cookies from truly memorable ones. For a step-by-step guide, check out this tutorial on how to brown butter.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! While I recommend sticking to the original ingredients for the best flavor, you can make some substitutions. Dark brown sugar can be replaced with light brown sugar, and you can use a non-dairy alternative for the milk. If you’re out of all-purpose flour, a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose can work, though the texture might be slightly different.
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your brown butter chocolate chunk cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Conclusion on Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
In summary, these brown butter chocolate chunk cookies are a treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a contemporary twist. Their rich nuttiness and chewy texture make for an unforgettable dessert experience. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and indulge in the bliss of warm cookies straight from the oven!
Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- Hand mixer
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. whole milk
- 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. baking powder
Chocolate
- 2 4 oz. bars semi sweet chocolate chopped, divided
- flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Brown the butter: Allow the butter to cool slightly, ~10-15 minutes.
- Beat in the sugars into the brown butter using a hand mixer.
- Add in eggs, milk and vanilla. Beat again.
- Sift in the dry ingredients and fold just until combined.
- Fold in ¾ cup of the chocolate chunks, leaving the rest to decorate the tops.
- Dunk a cookie dough ball in the remaining chopped chocolate and press slightly to ensure it sticks.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges are light golden brown and centers slightly gooey.
- Rest on cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
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