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Crispy Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

crispy brown butter salted caramel chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These cookies feature nutty brown butter, gooey caramel bits, and pools of melty chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the ultimate crispy, chewy treat. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (120g) caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Place butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until melted, foaming, and golden brown bits form at the bottom with a nutty aroma (8-10 minutes). Pour into a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips and caramel bits with a spatula until evenly distributed. Reserve a few chocolate chips for topping.
  6. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes (optional, but recommended for crispiness).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls (about 30g each), spacing 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake each tray for 11-13 minutes until edges are deep golden and centers are just set. Rotate trays halfway through baking.
  9. Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt on each cookie after baking. Let cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps achieve crisp edges and chewy centers. For best results, use fresh unsalted butter and room temperature eggs. Rotate baking sheets halfway for even browning. Sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately after baking for maximum flavor. Cookies can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, salted caramel, chocolate chip cookies, crispy cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, homemade cookies, dessert, baking