Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that melts in your mouth and fills your heart with joy, then you’ve come to the right place! These Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute delight. They have a rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter and are packed with gooey chocolate chips that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or for a family gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is. You can whip these up on a busy weeknight or prepare them ahead of time for those special occasions. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cookie recipe has earned a beloved spot in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey chocolatey goodness!
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough or freeze it for later, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Rich flavor: The combination of browned butter and chocolate creates an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 shots bourbon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 or 3 cups dark chocolate chips (for extra chocolate goodness!)

Variations

One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to get creative with these cookies based on what you love. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate chips if that’s more your style.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of cinnamon or sea salt can take these cookies to another level.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a friendly alternative.

How to Make Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the two sticks of unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it as it cooks! Stir frequently until it transforms from yellow to golden brown. This step is crucial because browning the butter deepens its flavor, giving your cookies that rich, nutty essence. Once browned, remove from heat and pour in those two shots of bourbon (don’t worry, we’re keeping things alcohol-free here). Give it a stir and let it cool!

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a stand mixer, combine your cooled browned butter mixture with brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and both eggs. Beat until smooth and creamy! Gradually add in flour—doing this slowly prevents any messy spills—and mix well before adding baking soda and salt. Finally, fold in those luscious dark chocolate chips!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Spoon out large balls of dough onto a lined baking pan. Now comes the hard part—chill them for at least an hour (or longer if you want). Chilling helps develop flavors and creates thicker cookies.

Step 5: Bake!

Pop those chilled cookie dough balls into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. They might look slightly undercooked when you take them out—that’s okay! They will continue setting as they cool on a rack. Enjoy each gooey bite of pure bliss!

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking the perfect cookie is an art, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your cookie-making game to new heights!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps ensure that your butter and eggs blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more homogenous mixture and a better texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling your dough not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This keeps them nice and gooey inside!
• Adjust baking time for your oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; if they look slightly underdone at 12 minutes, trust that they will set as they cool.
• Experiment with chocolate types: While dark chocolate chips are delicious, feel free to mix in some semi-sweet or even white chocolate for a fun twist. The combination of flavors can add delightful surprises!
• Store properly for freshness: If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days.

How to Serve Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving these delightful cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to impress your guests and make each bite memorable.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, elevating their taste.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that’s sure to wow anyone who sees them.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream complements the warm, gooey texture of the cookies perfectly. The cold ice cream against the warm cookie creates a delightful contrast.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a colorful presentation.
• Milk or dairy-free alternative: Whether it’s traditional milk or a nut milk variety, nothing beats dipping those gooey cookies into a glass of something creamy. It’s comfort food at its finest!
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage can enhance the indulgent experience of enjoying these cookies. Try pairing them with a rich coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch, store them, or even freeze the dough for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their life to about a week.
• If you add any toppings or mix-ins, ensure they are stored separately to maintain the cookie’s texture.

Freezing

• Portion out the cookie dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date – they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-8 minutes until they’re soft and gooey again.
• If you’re reheating frozen dough balls, bake directly from the freezer for an additional minute or two.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I make Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with an equal amount of vanilla extract or use a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative for similar flavor notes.

How do I ensure my Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies gooey and soft, avoid overbaking them. They should look slightly undercooked when you take them out; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

What can I use instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just note that it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes! Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll be good for about 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gooey Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as I do! They bring comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to please. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!