Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt

If you are ready to elevate your cookie game, look no further than these irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt. Imagine biting into golden, chewy cookies infused with the rich, nutty aroma of brown butter, packed with generous chunks of dark chocolate that melt perfectly with every bite, and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. This dessert is a harmony of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it a must-try favorite to share or savor solo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt call for simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create that unforgettable cookie experience. Each item plays a crucial role, whether adding texture, enhancing flavor, or ensuring the perfect chewiness.

• Unsalted butter: Browning the butter creates a deep, nutty flavor that transforms the whole cookie.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
• White sugar: Helps with spreading and adds a touch of crispness on the edges.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness while binding all ingredients together.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies body and tenderness.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, creating lightness without puffiness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Dark chocolate chunks: Large pieces offer melty pockets of bittersweet luxury in every bite.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to provide an irresistible contrast and elevate the sweetness.

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally. Watch it closely as it foams and then turns a beautiful golden brown with a fragrant, nutty aroma. This step is the secret to adding depth and complexity to your cookies, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.

Step 2: Combine Sugars and Butter

Next, whisk the cooled brown butter together with both the brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend will ensure your cookies have the perfect balance of moistness and slight crispness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will boost the cookie’s warmth and richness, creating a harmonious flavor base.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so fold carefully to maintain tenderness.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Chill

Gently fold in the generous dark chocolate chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover and chill the dough for about 30 minutes—this step firms it up for better shaping and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to spread slightly. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and set but the centers still look a touch soft. This will give you that perfectly chewy center everyone loves.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt. The contrast between the sweet, rich cookie and the salt creates an addictive flavor combination that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt

Garnishes

You can elevate the presentation by adding a little extra flaky sea salt just before serving or drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for a glossy finish. A light dusting of cocoa powder on the plate can also add a touch of elegance and hint at the chocolate treasure inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of fresh brewed coffee, or a creamy cappuccino. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream—sandwich the cookies with a scoop inside for an unforgettable dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of sea salt and extra chocolate chunks for guests to customize their experience. Or wrap a stack tied with twine to give as delightful homemade gifts. These Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt are as versatile as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay perfectly chewy and flavorful for up to five days, making them great for sharing throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough in scooped portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a month, thawing at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This trick brings back the soft, melty chocolate and buttery aroma like freshly made.

FAQs

Why use brown butter instead of regular melted butter?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that regular melted butter can’t match. It creates depth and complexity, making these cookies uniquely delicious and aromatic.

Can I substitute chocolate chunks with chips?

Yes, chocolate chips work fine but large chunks provide a better melt and texture contrast, giving you lovely pockets of gooey chocolate rather than uniformly sweet bites.

What does the sea salt add to the cookies?

The flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness while balancing the richness of the brown butter and chocolate. It adds a sophisticated finish with a slight crunch and flavor pop.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling helps solidify the butter and develop flavors, resulting in thicker cookies that bake evenly without spreading too much. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Try substituting butter with vegan margarine and eggs with flaxseed or chia egg alternatives. Use dairy-free chocolate chunks to maintain the rich flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you want to experience cookies that are simple to make yet bursting with gourmet flavor, these Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Sea Salt are your new best friend in the kitchen. Their chewy centers, luscious chocolate, and perfect pinch of salt come together in a way that feels both special and comforting. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and enjoy every warm, buttery bite.