Ooey Gooey Browned Butter Cookies

These Ooey Gooey Browned Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers — chewy, rich, and loaded with the nutty, caramel-like flavor of browned butter. Each bite is perfectly soft in the center with deliciously crisp edges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of cookies that are both crispy and soft with a deep, toasty flavor, these browned butter cookies will be your new favorite. Browning the butter adds an incredible depth of flavor you just don’t get from regular cookies. They’re easy to make, come together with simple pantry staples, and the results are absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips or chunks (optional but highly recommended)

Directions

1. Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks if using.
6. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes to help develop the flavor and prevent spreading.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked for a gooey texture.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18-24 cookies, depending on size. Prep time is about 45 minutes including chilling time, and bake time is about 10-12 minutes per batch.

Variations

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor.
• Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy bite.
• Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or caramel bits.
• Make cookie sandwiches with a layer of marshmallow fluff or frosting in the middle.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months — bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

FAQs

Why should I brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen when ready.

How do I know when the butter is browned?

It will turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

What’s the secret to gooey centers?

Don’t overbake! Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

What mix-ins go well with browned butter?

Chocolate, nuts, toffee bits, or dried fruit are all delicious additions.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies bigger?

Yes! Use a larger scoop and add a couple extra minutes to the bake time for big bakery-style cookies.

Conclusion

Ooey Gooey Browned Butter Cookies are everything you love in a cookie: rich, chewy, and packed with incredible flavor. They’re simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion — once you try them, you’ll never go back to ordinary cookies again!

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