Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Place the plant-based butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts. The butter will foam, settle, then foam again. It’s ready when it turns a golden brown and smells nutty. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes.

Step 2: Mix in Sugars

Pour the slightly cooled browned butter into a mixer bowl. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar. The residual heat from the butter will melt some of the sugar, creating a rich, toffee-like flavor. Mix on medium speed until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and the dry portion of your egg replacer.

Step 4: Add Wet Egg Replacer and Vanilla

Slowly pour in the wet portion of your egg replacer (water or plant milk) to the butter-sugar mixture while mixing. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the mixer in two portions, mixing on low speed just until the flour is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips on low speed, or finish mixing by hand to ensure even distribution.

Step 7: Portion and Chill

Measure cookie dough into 77 g (¼ cup) balls, loosely formed without rolling tightly. Sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the dough to hydrate. Cookies can also be frozen for later baking.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet (no more than 6 per standard home pan). Bake 13–14 minutes. Cookies will appear soft; this ensures a chewy interior. Cool a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips for Success

• Browning butter carefully enhances flavor—don’t rush!
• Keep egg replacer dry and wet portions separate for even texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cookies need space to spread evenly.
• For a crunchier edge, bake 1–2 minutes longer.

Variations & Substitutions