Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, and when that cookie is a Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, the experience is simply elevated. These little morsels pack a punch of flavor with the rich, nutty essence of brown butter complementing the sweet, melty chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing (or not!), they make any occasion a little brighter. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
These Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. The brown butter adds a depth that’s often missing in traditional chocolate chip cookies, while the mini chocolate chips offer just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. They’re perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk on a cozy evening. Plus, the bite-sized nature makes them ideal for a quick treat without the guilt of overindulging.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these scrumptious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2 sticks (16 tablespoons; 8 ounces) unsalted butter
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Equipment at a Glance
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To thoroughly mix wet ingredients and dry ingredients.
- Rubber spatula: For folding in the chocolate chips.
- Baking sheets: To hold your cookie dough as they bake.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: To let your cookies cool down evenly.
Build Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by browning the butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and flaky sea salt until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Sugars
In another bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in the warm brown butter and mix until the sugars are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use your spatula to fold them together until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat and Scoop
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once cooled, enjoy your Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
Want to switch things up? Here are some delightful seasonal flavor boosts you can add to your cookies:
- For a fall twist, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Incorporate a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Try substituting half of the mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of festive-colored sprinkles to the dough before baking.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best bakers encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
- If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer before baking.
- Overbaked cookies can become hard; keep an eye on them and bake until just set.
- If you find your cookies too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly next time for a more balanced flavor.
- For flat cookies, ensure your baking soda is fresh and properly measured.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
You can store your Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Reader Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?
Absolutely! While mini chocolate chips are great for bite-sized cookies, you can use regular chocolate chips or even chunks for a more decadent treat.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt? Can I use regular salt instead?
Yes, you can substitute regular salt for flaky sea salt. Just use a little less, as table salt is saltier by volume than flaky sea salt.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can try using an egg substitute, such as applesauce or flaxseed meal. If you want an eggless version, check out our Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for guidance.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture!
If you love these cookies, you might also enjoy:
The Last Word
Baking is an art that brings joy to both the baker and those who enjoy the final product. With these Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll not only impress your friends and family but also create a memorable experience with every batch you bake. So, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by browning the butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and flaky sea salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in the warm brown butter and mix until the sugars are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use your spatula to fold them together until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, enjoy your Bite-Sized Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to three months for longer storage.
- To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
