Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of treat that makes an ordinary day feel special. With nutty brown butter, melty chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Each cookie has golden edges and a gooey middle that’s impossible to resist. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or yourself, they’re a warm little luxury worth savoring.
Why You’ll Love This Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Tonight
- Fast prep: You can have these cookies ready to bake in just 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your sweet treats.
- Big flavor: Brown butter and sea salt add a rich taste that elevates every bite.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
To make these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Directions
Turn 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the oven is ready and at the right temperature for even baking.
Turn 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it and swirl the pan occasionally. When the butter turns golden brown and releases a rich, nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Turn 3: Mix Sugars with the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Turn 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Turn 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet mixture.
Turn 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Turn 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed for rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
Turn 8: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Space them a few inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Turn 9: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each dough ball. This creates a delightful balance between the sweet dough and salty finish.
Turn 10: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden.
Turn 11: Cool Down
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Ideas That Make It Shine
To elevate your sea salt brown butter chocolate chip cookies, consider these cozy pairings:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
- Pair with fresh berries for a fruity touch that brightens each bite.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a fluffy addition.
Keep It Fresh: Storage & Reheat Tips
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
- To re-crisp, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or use an air fryer for a quick refresh.
Shortcuts for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, try these simple shortcuts:
- Use pre-mixed cookie batters available at the store.
- Grab frozen fruit to add a twist without extra prep.
- Use bagged toppings like chopped nuts or coconut for easy customizations.
Sweet Swaps & Variations
To put a spin on your sea salt brown butter chocolate chip cookies, consider these swaps:
- Substitute half the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Use dark brown sugar instead of light for a deeper flavor.
- Swap in white chocolate chips for a different sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth.
Snack Cravings, Served the Sweet & Savory Way
Lazy Bites is my little corner for those irresistible nibbles we all love melty cheese pulls, sugar-dusted treats, and easy sides that come together without stress. I think of it as the place you turn when you want something satisfying but don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen. These recipes are quick, cozy, and always a little indulgent. Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon, a family movie night, or just a quick pick-me-up before dinner, you’ll find a bite that feels homemade but takes only minutes. Find your snack fix today.
Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter Melted and browned
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, space them apart.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
Baking
- Bake cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs About Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors deepen and keeps the cookies from spreading too much. It also gives you a thicker, chewier texture that many bakers love.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but chopped dark chocolate or even a mix of milk and bittersweet chocolate adds wonderful variety. If you enjoy pockets of melted chocolate, chopped bars work beautifully.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or even the raw dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer when a craving strikes.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Swap half or all of the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The cookies will still have great flavor, though the texture may be slightly softer.
What’s the best way to reheat cookies?
Warm cookies taste heavenly. Place one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes until just warmed through.
Savor the Sweetness
These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than a recipe they’re a little celebration in every bite. With their nutty butter base, gooey chocolate pockets, and that irresistible sprinkle of salt, they bring comfort and joy to any moment. Bake a batch for loved ones or keep them all to yourself either way, these cookies are a sweet reminder of life’s simple luxuries.
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.
