The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience. Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the sweetness of the dough, while large chunks of chocolate give you more gooey goodness in every bite. The outside is perfectly crunchy, while the inside remains soft and chewy—just how a chocolate chip cookie should be. Plus, with an easy prep time and quick bake time, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 3/4 cup (220 g) all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more flaky sea salt for sprinkling

• 1 1/2 cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the butter in a small saucepan and set over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula, scraping the butter from the bottom and sides of the pan every 10 to 15 seconds. The butter will foam and eventually take on a warm, nutty aroma as the bubbles get smaller and brown bits form. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Once the butter is golden brown with small floating brown bits, remove it from the heat and let it cool in the saucepan for a few minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a silicone spatula to mix. Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla, mixing well.

3. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, folding gently until no streaks of flour remain. The dough should be soft but not sticky—when touched, it should give a little.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix the dough. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow the dough to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes, making it scoopable.

6. Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion out the dough, placing the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.

7. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the edges are light golden brown but the center remains soft.

8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven, sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt (if desired), and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 15 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 11 minutes

• Total Time: 26 minutes

Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer taste.

2. Add Nuts: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch and flavor.

3. Sea Salt: For an added contrast of sweetness and saltiness, sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

4. Vegan Version: Replace butter with a vegan butter substitute and the egg with a flaxseed egg or other egg alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

FAQs

1. How do I make my cookies chewier?

The key to a chewy cookie is using brown sugar and not overbaking. Brown sugar has more moisture than granulated sugar, which helps keep the cookies soft. Bake just until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

2. Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes! After scooping the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a ziplock bag or airtight container. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives these cookies their rich, nutty flavor, especially with the browned butter technique. While margarine can be used in a pinch, it will slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.

4. Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, giving you a more flavorful cookie.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cookies hold together.

6. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can! Dark brown sugar will give the cookies a slightly deeper, richer flavor due to its higher molasses content.

7. How long do I bake these cookies?

Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. Be careful not to overbake for the perfect chewy texture.

8. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped chocolate chunks can create bigger pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cookie, which many people love.

9. Should I add more salt?

If you love salty-sweet combinations, feel free to add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. It enhances the sweetness and adds an irresistible savory contrast.

10. What’s the secret to perfect chocolate chip cookies?

The secret to these perfect chocolate chip cookies is the browned butter. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies stand out from your average chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookies are everything you could want in a treat: chewy, flavorful, and packed with rich chocolate. The browned butter adds an extra layer of complexity, making them far from ordinary. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies will definitely become your go-to recipe.

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