Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt are the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. With nutty, golden brown butter, pools of melted chocolate, and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite balances sweet and savory in the most irresistible way. These cookies aren’t just a treat they’re a cozy ritual that fills your home with warmth and creates sweet memories worth savoring.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Tonight
- Fast prep: You can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your treats.
- Big flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste that’s irresistible.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle, steady heat ensures your cookies bake evenly with golden edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and let it cook until it turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This step adds a rich, toasty depth of flavor that makes your cookies extra special. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy—a sweet, creamy base for your dough.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the dough silky. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic touch that makes cookies irresistible.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. This keeps your dough tender and ready for chocolate.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips so every spoonful of dough holds melty, chocolatey pockets of joy.
Step 7: Drop the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room between each one. These little scoops will spread into golden rounds as they bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should stay soft and chewy—perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short pause helps them firm up while keeping their chewy centers intact, ready to savor warm or share with friends.
Serving Ideas That Make It Shine
Enjoying Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt is a treat on its own, but you can make it even cozier by pairing them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
- Slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries.
- Drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- A light dollop of whipped cream to add a dreamy touch.
Keep It Fresh: Storage & Reheat Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored well.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer: They last for about three months if you freeze them.
- Crisp-back tip: To restore their perfect texture, warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or use an air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Shortcuts for Busy Bakers
If you’re in a hurry, here are some simple shortcuts:
- Use pre-mixed cookie batters to save time.
- Grab frozen fruit to top your cookies instead of fresh ones.
- Opt for bagged toppings that add quick flavor.
Sweet Swaps & Variations
Feel free to get creative! Here are some twists on the classic recipe:
- Substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for crunch.
Snack time, but make it fun
Lazy Bites is my guilty-pleasure corner oozy cheese, sweet little pick-me-ups, and sides that practically make themselves. Think quick fixes that taste like a treat without the fuss. Perfect for when you want flavor that feels a little extra. Grab your bite and let the cravings win in the best way.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter Melted until browned
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle each cookie dough ball with flaky sea salt.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs About Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe so the flavors stay balanced. Salted butter will deepen the savory notes, which pairs beautifully with the chocolate and sea salt topping.
Why is my cookie dough sticky?
Sticky dough often means the butter was too warm. Let it cool before mixing or chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of extra flour until the dough is easier to handle.
How do I know the cookies are done?
Check for golden edges and centers that look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, giving you chewy middles with just the right crisp at the edges.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours, or freeze pre-scooped dough balls for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the bake time.
What are some fun variations?
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate, fold in pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top along with the sea salt for a bakery-style twist.
A Sweet and Salty Indulgence
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt take the classic to a whole new level of comfort. The nutty richness of brown butter, gooey chocolate pockets, and delicate salt crystals make each bite both luxurious and familiar. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring warm from the oven, these cookies are a treat that brings joy with every bite.
What’s Sweet in Your Kitchen?
Baked this recipe with your own twist? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share a quick snapshot and tag us on Instagram, or drop a note below. Dessert magic gets even better when we trade ideas.
Your creation could be the next Lazy Meal Prep delight!
Join our little circle of sweet-toothed friends. Follow Lazy Meal Prep where you like to hang out most:
- Instagram – for behind-the-scenes bakes and weekday cravings
- Facebook – to swap recipes, tips, and drool over each other’s treats
- Pinterest – to save your favorites and plan the next cozy bake
Let’s keep sharing joy one delicious bite at a time.
