Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers who crave a little extra depth of flavor in their baked goods. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie where the rich, nutty aroma of brown butter mingles with the wholesome chewiness of oats and the luxurious melt of chocolate chunks. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a cookie that’s not only satisfying but also memorable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the why, how, and what of these delightful cookies!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
There are countless reasons to love Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here are just a few:
- Rich Flavor: The process of browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates these cookies above the typical chocolate chip variety.
- Perfect Texture: Combining oats with flour creates a chewy yet satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up any time the cookie cravings hit.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or your favorite chocolate variations for a personal touch.
- Freeze for Later: You can easily freeze the dough or baked cookies for a quick treat whenever you need one.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you head to the store, make sure you have everything you need to create these delicious cookies. Here’s your shopping list:
- Salted Butter: 2 sticks (1 cup) for that rich, creamy base.
- Brown Sugar: 1 ¼ cups for sweetness and moisture.
- Large Eggs: 2 eggs to bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for structure.
- Old Fashioned Oats: 2 cups for chewiness and texture.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon for leavening.
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance flavors.
- Chocolate Chunks or Chips: 2 cups for that irresistible chocolate goodness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Optional, for sprinkling on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Tools & Equipment Needed
You won’t need much to get started on these cookies, but having the right tools makes the process easier:
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing the wet ingredients and a separate one for the dry ingredients.
- Whisk: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: To fold in the chocolate and oats.
- Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies once they come out of the oven.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Stepwise Method: Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Creating Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for cookie perfection:
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 sticks (1 cup) of salted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter starts to bubble and foam. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, 1 ¼ cups of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be just combined.
Step 5: Add Chocolate
Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chunks or chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
What to Use Instead
If you find yourself missing some ingredients or looking for alternatives, here are some options:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter if you prefer a less salty taste.
- Brown Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture.
- Chocolate Chunks: Use white chocolate or caramel chips for a unique twist.
- Oats: Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a different texture.
Notes on Ingredients
Here are some extra tips on the ingredients used in Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Brown Butter: Browning the butter is key to the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide chewiness; instant oats may yield a softer cookie.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate chunks can add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
- Storage: If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, consider the following storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing Dough: Shape the cookie dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen; just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: For the best taste, reheat frozen cookies in the oven for a few minutes to restore their chewy texture.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can occur due to melted butter. Make sure your butter is browned but not too hot when mixing with the sugars. Also, check that you’re using the correct amount of flour and chilling the dough if needed.
What if my cookies are too dry?
If your cookies turn out dry, it might be due to too much flour. Ensure you measure correctly and avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup. Adding an extra egg or a splash of milk can help moisten the dough.
How do I make these cookies chewy?
To achieve that chewy texture, make sure to use old-fashioned oats and avoid overbaking the cookies. Removing them from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft will keep them chewy.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats can be used, they will yield a different texture, leading to a softer cookie. For the best results, stick with old-fashioned oats.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and detailed steps, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! Your kitchen is about to be filled with the irresistible scent of Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cookies in no time. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful process of baking these incredible cookies. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 sticks of salted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter starts to bubble and foam. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chunks or chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Browning the butter is essential for the rich flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture, so plan ahead!
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
