These Brown Butter Milk Chocolate Cookies are an incredible treat bursting with nutty, buttery flavor and rich chocolate chunks. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, they freeze well and are easy to make. The recipe yields 24 cookies with a chewy texture, thanks to the inclusion of cornstarch and the perfect baking time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cup chopped milk chocolate or chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a pan over medium heat, melt and brown the butter, stirring constantly until it turns brown and emits a nutty aroma (3–5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately, transfer to a heatproof bowl, and cool for 10 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine browned butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix for 30 seconds until combined.
3. With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time. Then, add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
4. Fold in the chocolate chunks or chips using a spatula.
5. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Use a medium-sized cookie scoop to form 24 cookie dough balls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line another cookie sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray. Arrange the chilled dough balls 2 inches apart on the sheet.
7. Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8. Garnish with flaky sea salt and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Fat: ~10 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~6 g
• Carbohydrates: ~21 g
  • Sugars: ~15 g
• Protein: ~2 g
• Cholesterol: ~30 mg
• Sodium: ~100 mg

These values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and any substitutions.

The Star Ingredient: Brown Butter

Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette, is the heart of this recipe and what sets it apart. It’s made by melting butter over medium heat until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a golden-brown liquid with a distinct nutty aroma. This simple yet transformative process enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, imparting a complexity that regular melted butter cannot achieve. Brown butter adds a toasty, caramel-like note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of milk chocolate and the richness of brown sugar.

In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, brown butter contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture. When used in place of regular butter, it creates a more luxurious mouthfeel that makes each bite truly indulgent.

A Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Texture

These cookies are a harmony of flavors and textures. The combination of light brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a balanced sweetness. Light brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar ensures the cookies maintain their soft and chewy consistency.

The texture is further enhanced by the addition of cornstarch. Cornstarch acts as a softening agent in baked goods, giving these cookies their tender and chewy bite. This, combined with the slightly crisp edges from the baking process, results in a cookie that is texturally perfect.

The Chocolate Factor

Milk chocolate is the preferred choice for this recipe, offering a creamy sweetness that complements the bold flavor of the brown butter. Chopped milk chocolate or high-quality chocolate chips ensure pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. The larger chunks from chopping your own chocolate bar create an uneven distribution of chocolate, which is ideal for those who love a mix of gooey pools of chocolate and smaller bites of cookie.

For an additional layer of indulgence, flaky sea salt can be sprinkled on top of the cookies as a garnish. The contrast between the sweetness of the cookie and the saltiness of the flakes adds a gourmet touch that elevates this treat to bakery-level sophistication.

Chilling: The Secret to Enhanced Flavor

One of the key steps in this recipe is chilling the dough before baking. This process serves two important purposes: flavor development and texture improvement.

When the cookie dough is chilled, the flavors have time to meld and intensify. The brown butter’s nuttiness becomes more pronounced, and the sugars fully hydrate, creating a cookie with a deep and well-rounded flavor. Chilling also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie with a perfectly gooey center.

For optimal results, the dough should be chilled for at least 30 minutes, but letting it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours can make the flavors even more vibrant.

Customizing Your Cookies

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few customization ideas:

• Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor, substitute milk chocolate with dark chocolate chunks or chips.
• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and a nutty complement to the brown butter.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a warm, spiced undertone to the cookies, making them perfect for the holiday season.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option without sacrificing texture.

The Science of Baking: Why Timing Matters

The baking time for these cookies is deliberately short—just 9 to 10 minutes. This ensures that the edges are set while the centers remain soft and gooey. Overbaking can lead to a drier texture, so it’s important to watch the cookies closely and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to bake on the hot tray as they cool, resulting in the perfect consistency.

Storing and Freezing for Longevity

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they store. They can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days, retaining their softness and flavor. For longer storage, the cookie dough can be frozen in pre-portioned balls, making it easy to bake fresh cookies on demand. Simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

A Treat for Every Occasion

These Brown Butter Milk Chocolate Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a homemade gift idea, or simply indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them universally appealing, while their gourmet elements like brown butter and flaky sea salt give them a sophisticated edge.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Milk Chocolate Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, crafted with care and elevated by simple yet transformative techniques. The combination of nutty brown butter, creamy milk chocolate, and a perfectly chewy consistency creates a cookie that’s hard to resist. By chilling the dough, experimenting with customizations, and taking care with baking time, you can create a cookie that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these cookies are a delightful reminder of the joy that comes from baking something truly special.