Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Highlighted under: SugarAlchemy Kitchen

Indulge in the rich and nutty flavor of these Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:14:20.713Z

These cookies combine the rich flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips, enhanced by a sprinkle of sea salt. The unique taste and texture make them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
  • A delightful contrast of sweet and salty
  • Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a culinary treasure that transforms ordinary recipes into extraordinary delights. By cooking butter until it reaches a deep golden hue, you unlock a complex, nutty flavor that elevates any dish. In these Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, the brown butter not only enhances the taste but also adds a rich aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

The process of browning butter involves careful attention. As the butter melts, watch for the subtle color changes and listen for the gentle crackling sound as the water content evaporates. This moment is crucial; the perfect brown butter will have a deep, toasty aroma, signaling that it’s ready to be incorporated into your cookie dough.

Balancing Sweet and Salty

One of the most delightful aspects of these cookies is the balance of sweet and salty flavors. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a rich sweetness that is beautifully complemented by the sprinkle of sea salt on top. This contrast not only enhances the flavor profile but also makes each bite more exciting, as your taste buds experience a delightful dance between sweetness and saltiness.

Using high-quality sea salt is essential for achieving the best results. It provides a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that enhances the chocolate chips and brown butter. When you savor these cookies, the tiny crystals of sea salt will surprise you with their intensity, making every cookie a memorable experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ideal choice. Their rich flavor and appealing texture make them a crowd-pleaser, while the added sea salt gives them a gourmet touch. You’ll find that these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Additionally, these cookies can be easily customized. Feel free to add nuts, swap in different types of chocolate, or even incorporate dried fruits for a unique twist. The versatility of this recipe means you can create variations that suit your preferences, ensuring that there’s a delicious cookie for everyone.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious cookies:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • Sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your cookies:

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to a week, maintaining their chewy texture and flavor. If you find yourself with leftovers, consider freezing them for later enjoyment. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can savor the freshly baked taste anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Common Issues and Solutions

If your cookies turn out too flat, it may be due to the butter being too warm or melted when mixed with the sugars. Ensure that your brown butter is slightly cooled before incorporating it with the other ingredients. Additionally, chilling your dough for at least an hour can help maintain shape during baking.

On the other hand, if your cookies are too thick, you might have over-measured the flour. To avoid this, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will ensure you have the correct amount for the perfect cookie texture.

Pairing Suggestions

These Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various beverages. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice, enhancing the sweetness while providing a refreshing contrast. For adults, consider serving them with a rich coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing these cookies with a glass of dessert wine. The sweet notes from the wine will complement the chocolate and brown butter beautifully, creating an unforgettable flavor combination that your guests will love.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when ready.

→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can use an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a little molasses.

Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the rich and nutty flavor of these Sea Salt Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: SugarAlchemy Kitchen

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 2 cups chocolate chips
  10. Sea salt for sprinkling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 05

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g