Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that’s irresistibly rich, perfectly chewy, and just the right balance of sweet and salty, then these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. The magic begins with browning the butter, which adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to something truly extraordinary. Topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies deliver an addictive flavor contrast that will have you reaching for one after another. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about the combination of browned butter and chocolate chips. Browning the butter adds layers of caramelized complexity that a regular cookie just can’t match. Paired with the melty semi-sweet chocolate and a hint of sea salt, these cookies hit every flavor note perfectly. What’s more, they have that ideal chewy center with slightly crisp edges — a texture that’s hard to beat. Plus, the recipe uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens, making it an easy go-to for any occasion. If you love classic cookies with a gourmet twist, these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies are a must-try.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 cup unsalted butter – browned to develop rich, nutty flavor
• 1 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and chewiness
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – balances sweetness and helps with spreading
• 2 large eggs – for structure and moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the cookie dough
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – for a light rise and spread
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – melty pockets of chocolate delight
• Sea salt for sprinkling – adds a perfect salty crunch on top

Before You Start: Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan – to brown the butter
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk – to cream sugars and eggs
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts
• Rubber spatula – for folding in flour and chocolate chips
• Baking sheets – lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cooling rack – to cool cookies evenly

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies in Steps

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye and stir frequently. Soon, you’ll notice the butter foam up and then the solids will start turning golden brown with a toasty aroma. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Browned Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the warm browned butter. Use a whisk or mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. The warmth of the butter helps dissolve the sugars, creating a luscious base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dough until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. This will give you those melty chocolate pockets in every bite.

Step 7: Scoop and Chill

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps control spreading and intensifies flavor.

Step 8: Bake and Sprinkle Sea Salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt atop each cookie for that signature sweet-salty finish.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time lets them set perfectly while still maintaining a chewy center.

Smart Substitutions

• Butter: Use a high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. You can substitute with a vegan butter alternative if needed.
• Flour: For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but expect slight texture differences.
• Chocolate Chips: You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can replace brown sugar for a more caramel-like taste and lower glycemic index.

If You’re Curious

The secret to the rich flavor in these Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies lies in the browned butter. This process transforms the butter’s milk solids, creating a nutty aroma and deep flavor that cannot be replicated with regular melted butter.

Sprinkling sea salt on top might seem unusual for a sweet cookie, but it enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully. The contrast of salty crunch and gooey chocolate is pure magic.

• Want a gooier center? Slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
• Looking for a fun twist? Try mixing in chopped nuts or toffee bits for texture.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To keep your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their life, place a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls, then bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies Q&A

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative that performs well for baking. Make sure the chocolate chips are also dairy-free to keep the recipe consistent.

Why do the cookies spread too much sometimes?

Overly warm dough or too much butter can cause excess spreading. Chilling the dough before baking helps control this. Also, be sure to measure flour accurately — too little flour can lead to thin cookies.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels. If you do use salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of crispy?

Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar and not overbaking will yield a chewier cookie. Removing the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but centers look slightly underdone helps maintain that perfect chew.

Try These Next

• Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies – for a nutty, chocolaty twist on a classic cookie.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Brownies – rich, fudgy brownies with a salty-sweet finish perfect for caramel lovers.
• Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies – the ultimate indulgence combining two favorites in one.

The Last Word

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies are more than just your average cookie — they’re an experience. From the toasty aroma of browned butter to the satisfying crunch of sea salt, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. So grab your skillet, get that butter browning, and prepare for cookie bliss that’s as simple as it is spectacular.

Baking these cookies not only fills your home with an irresistible scent but also creates moments of joy shared over warm, gooey bites. Don’t forget to try chilling the dough and experimenting with mix-ins for your own signature twist. Happy baking!

Share on Pinterest