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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty flavors in a cookie. When you add the rich, nutty essence of browned butter, you’ve got a treat that’s truly irresistible. These Brown Butter Pretzel-Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making them a must-try for any cookie lover. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to creating these delectable cookies in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup butterscotch chips
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pretzels
- Optional: flaked sea salt for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by browning the butter, a crucial step that elevates the flavor of these cookies. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue stirring as the butter foams and eventually turns a rich amber color, releasing a nutty aroma. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pan from heat and allow the butter to cool for 20 minutes.
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Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the browned butter cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring even baking and easy cleanup.
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Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and coarse sea salt. This dry mixture will be combined with the wet ingredients in a later step, so set it aside for now.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform batter.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. You want the dough to be soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pretzels. Make sure these delicious mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. If you love an extra salty-sweet contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaked sea salt on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft. Keep in mind that cookies continue to bake on the sheet even after being removed from the oven, so avoid overbaking for the perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes transferring them easier. Then, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Enjoy these cookies slightly warm, when the butterscotch and chocolate chips are still melted and gooey. They’re perfect with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though they’re so delicious they might not last that long!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Calories: ~200 per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies
These Brown Butter Pretzel-Chip Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire, offering a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors that will keep you coming back for more.