Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips

There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked cookie, especially when that cookie combines the rich flavors of brown butter, hearty oats, and gooey chocolate chips. If you’re looking for a recipe that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas and smother your taste buds with joy, look no further than these Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of brown butter, share a detailed recipe, and provide tips for achieving cookie perfection.

What is Brown Butter?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star ingredient: brown butter. Brown butter, or beurre noisette in French, is made by gently heating unsalted butter until the milk solids turn golden brown. This process gives the butter a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of your baked goods. The word noisette actually translates to “hazelnut”, even though no actual nuts are being added. Overall, it’s an easy technique that elevates your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 delicious cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (160 g)
• 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
• 1 tsp baking powder (5 g)
• 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter (225 g)
• 1 cup brown sugar (200 g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

Mix-ins:

• 2 cups chocolate chips (340 g)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients and tools. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the 1 cup of salted butter (225 g). Allow it to melt completely.
2. Brown the Butter: Once melted, continue to cook the butter, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the butter will begin to foam. Keep stirring until the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn a beautiful golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cool the Butter: Once browned, remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the butter to a mixing bowl. We prefer to let it cool completely in the fridge for a minimum of ten minutes. It’s ok if your butter starts to solidify again – the cooler it is, the easier it will be to cream your wet ingredients together in the next step.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Cooling the butter properly makes a huge difference in how this step turns out.

1. Add Brown Sugar: To the cooled brown butter, add the 1 cup of brown sugar (220 g). Use a whisk, wooden spoon or electric beaters to mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated.
2. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract (5 ml) to the mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

(we discovered the 2-cup measuring cup this week – revolutionary!)

1. Combine Flour, Oats, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, and Salt: In a medium bowl, roughly mix together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour (250 g), 2 cups of old-fashioned oats (160 g), 1 tsp of baking soda (5 g), 1 tsp of baking powder (5 g), and 1/2 tsp of salt (3 g). Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few flour streaks are okay.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips (340 g), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Portion the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon (or your hands!), portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly under-baked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to move.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once cooled, your Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips are ready to be devoured. The combination of nutty brown butter, chewy oats, and rich chocolate makes for a heavenly treat. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or pack them up for a sweet snack later.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

1. Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully. Use a kitchen scale for the most precise measurements.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
3. Mix-Ins Galore: Feel free to customize your cookies! Add nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist.
4. Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
5. Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds.

Conclusion

Baking these Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Not only do you get to enjoy the heavenly aroma of cookies baking in your kitchen, but you also create a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and the addition of chocolate, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, follow this detailed recipe, and get ready to savor every bite.

Much love,

Sidney and Thomas