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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with Gooey Centers Easy and Perfect

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These brown butter chocolate chip cookies feature crispy edges and soft, gooey centers with a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter. A simple, quick recipe perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips or chunks (semi-sweet and dark chocolate mix preferred)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter (about 5-7 minutes): Place 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter melts, foams, and then begins to brown. Remove from heat immediately once browned and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Let cool for about 10 minutes until just warm.
  2. Mix sugars and browned butter: Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup light brown sugar to the browned butter. Stir until well combined and slightly dissolved.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: Crack in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  5. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chunks evenly.
  7. Chill the dough (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for thicker cookies with gooey centers.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Scoop dough: Drop dough balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look set but still soft.
  11. Cool on a wire rack: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Chilling the dough helps achieve thick, gooey centers. Use parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. Variations include gluten-free flour, adding nuts or dried fruit, and swapping vanilla for almond extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chocolate chip cookies, gooey centers, easy cookies, homemade cookies, baking, dessert