Browned Butter + Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

With Thanksgiving tomorrow and boatloads of holiday parties around the corner, I started testing some new cookies recipes.  As I mentioned on Monday, we always host a cookies and cocktail party in December.  All of our guests always bring new and exciting cookies to share which puts the pressure on us {the hosts!} to get creative each year.  This is like a chocolate chip cookie on crack.  The browned butter gives it a velvety and nutty flavor and the sea salt is a nice compliment to this sweet treat.  These would make a great addition to your dessert table tomorrow...there's still time!

Recipe from Rustic Brooklyn

We cut the recipe in half to make a dozen cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup {1 stick} unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg yolk + half egg whites from that same egg

1 1/8 cups whole-wheat flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 tbsp coarse sea salt for sprinkling 

Method

1. To brown butter, heat 1/2 stick of butter in a pan over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking and swirling the pan constantly until the butter is dark golden brown with brown flecks on the bottom of the pan, and you can smell a nutty aroma. Pour it into a bowl and allow to cool completely.
2. Mix the other half stick of butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for a few minutes.
3. Add the vanilla to the mixer.
4. Slowly add the brown butter, then mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the egg and egg yolk and mix.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low until the flour is just incorporated.
7. Add chocolate chips and mix for a few seconds.
8. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees, then cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.  {I put it in the freezer for 10 minutes}
9. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and place dough 2 inches apart.
10. Sprinkle each ball with some sea salt.
11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes

Oh and if you happen to be hosting a holiday soiree next month, be sure to enter for a chance to win $100 to Minted for their festive party decor!

xo natasha