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Savory Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with Sea Salt Flakes Easy and Perfect

brown butter chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These cookies feature a rich, nutty brown butter flavor with crispy edges, chewy centers, gooey chocolate pockets, and a surprising sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • About 1 tsp flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it foams, turns golden, and smells nutty with brown flecks at the bottom (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Add 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar into the browned butter. Whisk until combined.
  3. Stir in 1 large egg and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Optional: Cover dough and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop 2-tablespoon-sized mounds of dough about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each mound.
  10. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. Watch carefully after 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  11. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning and bitterness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on cookies before baking to help it stick and meld with the cookie surface. Chill dough for thicker cookies and to control spread. Use a cookie scoop for even portions and consistent baking. Sift flour and baking soda for lighter texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, sea salt cookies, savory sweet cookies, easy cookie recipe, chewy cookies, crispy edges, homemade cookies