These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips! The brown butter adds a lovely nutty flavor, making them extra special. Plus, you get to use sourdough discard, which is a bonus!
Honestly, I can’t resist the warm, gooey cookies right out of the oven. It’s hard to stop at just one. 🥳 I love pairing them with a glass of milk for the perfect treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. Brown the butter for a richer, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you could use regular butter, but browning brings out a special taste!
Sourdough Discard: Make sure it’s unfed discard, as active sourdough starter may change the texture. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with an equal amount of plain yogurt or applesauce for moisture, though it will lack the tangy flavor that sourdough adds.
Chocolate Chips: I usually like semisweet chocolate chips, but dark chocolate can add a lovely intensity. If you want a sweeter cookie, go for milk chocolate. Chunks provide extra gooeyness; choose your favorite!
How Do You Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Browning butter is a simple technique but requires attention. It adds a wonderful flavor if done right! Here’s the step-by-step:
- Start with a light-colored saucepan; it helps you see the butter’s color change.
- Heat it over medium heat, adding the butter. Stir or swirl it occasionally for even cooking.
- Look for a golden color and a nutty aroma, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Let it cool slightly before using to combine with the other ingredients. You’ll love the flavor it brings to your cookies!
Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed/starter discard, not active starter)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet or dark chocolate)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and then requires at least 1 hour of chilling time. Baking time will be about 10-12 minutes. So overall, plan for around 1 hour and 40 minutes before you sink your teeth into these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Butter:
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. It’s important to keep an eye on it! Swirl the pan now and then as the butter melts. After about 5-7 minutes, it will turn golden brown and have a nutty aroma. Once browned, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step adds a rich flavor to your cookies.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth. Then, gradually stir in the cooled brown butter and the sourdough discard until everything is well combined. It should look creamy and delightful!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Forming the Cookie Dough:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks. The dough should be thick and loaded with chocolatey goodness!
5. Chilling the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or even overnight if you have the time!). This step is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the cookies and helps prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
6. Prepping to Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
7. Shaping the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each scoop to allow for some spreading as they bake.
8. Baking the Cookies:
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly set but still soft. The cookies will continue to cook a bit after coming out of the oven.
9. Adding Flaky Sea Salt:
If you like a touch of salt to balance the sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie immediately after they come out of the oven. It adds an extra burst of flavor!
10. Cooling the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their chewy texture!
Enjoy these chewy, buttery chocolate chip cookies with a subtle tang from the sourdough discard! Perfect with a glass of milk, they make for a delicious snack any time of the day. Happy baking!
Can I Use Melted Regular Butter Instead of Brown Butter?
Absolutely! While brown butter adds a unique nutty flavor, you can simply melt regular unsalted butter and use it in this recipe if you’re short on time or prefer not to brown it.
Is It Necessary to Chill the Dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is important as it enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies. It helps prevent them from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
What Can I Substitute for Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can replace it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or applesauce. Just keep in mind that the distinct tang flavor from the sourdough will be missing.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe bag and thawing as needed for a fresh treat! Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want to enjoy them warm.
