Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've always been a bit antsy about browning butter. When on earth is it brown enough? Does it really make a huge difference? Do I really have to keep stirring?

I decided to try these cookies, making sure to cook the butter in a silver-bottomed pot. I constantly whisked and kept the butter over heat until the milk solids browned. I then poured the butter out of the pot, doing my best to leave most of the solids behind.

Though I can't do a direct taste comparison with regular chocolate chip cookies, I do think these cookies had a greater depth of flavor than your typical cookie. I cut down a bit on the sugar quantities for personal preference, and they still tasted great. Keep in mind, though, that this recipe needs overnight refrigeration - planning ahead may be necessary!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

from divinebaking's post on bakebakebake

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups unbleached flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp kosher salt (or slightly less table salt)

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks

Directions

1. Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisking frequently, heat until butter turns golden brown (about 5-8 minutes). Let cool to room temperature.

2. In separate bowl, add sugars. Pour in brown butter and whisk until smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla.

3.In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.

4. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture, and stir until just combined. Let mixture completely cool before adding chocolate chips. Fold in chocolate chips.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scoop 1/8 cup portions of dough and roll with your hands to create a ball. Place on a ungreased cookie sheet (in my case, a foil-lined sheet.) Bake 8-10 minutes, until tops are set and bottoms are just turning golden brown.

Makes about 30 cookies.

Enjoy!