These brown butter maple chocolate chip cookies take the original classic version up a notch. The brown butter and maple syrup give the cookies a nutty caramelized flavor. They are crispy on the edges and so soft on the inside.
Ingredients
Unsalted Brown Butter
Maple Syrup
Coconut Sugar
Eggs
Baking Soda
Fresh Milled Soft White Wheat Flour (or use all-purpose)
Chocolate e chips
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Directions
- Using a mixer, cream together the brown butter and coconut sugar. Add the vanilla and maple syrup. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add in each egg, one by one and mix together with the wet ingredients.
- Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together until it’s nice and creamy.
- With a spoon or spatula, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Wrap the dough in wax paper and place in the fridge to chill for a few hours.
- Using a parchment lined baking sheet, scoop the dough evenly. The dough can either be dropped by a tsp (for smaller cookies) or use a medium cookie scoop (for larger ones).
- Bake at 375 for 9-11 minutes or until the edges appear crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes and enjoy!
Why Use Brown Butter
Brown butter is used in cooking and baking for its rich, nutty flavor and aroma, which elevates dishes compared to regular butter. Here’s why it’s favored:
• Enhanced Flavor: Browning butter caramelizes the milk solids, creating a toasty, nutty taste with hints of caramel. This adds depth to both sweet and savory dishes, like pastries, sauces, or roasted vegetables.
• Aromatic Appeal: The warm, inviting smell of brown butter enhances the sensory experience of food, making it more appetizing.
• Versatility: It pairs well with a wide range of foods, from cookies and cakes to pasta, fish, or even popcorn, adding complexity without extra ingredients.
• Texture in Baking: In baked goods, brown butter can contribute to a chewier or crispier texture, depending on the recipe, due to the removal of water content during browning.
• Culinary Sophistication: It’s a simple technique that adds a gourmet touch, making dishes feel more refined without much effort.
For example, in desserts like brown butter chocolate chip cookies, it brings a toffee-like richness. In savory dishes, like brown butter sage sauce for gnocchi, it complements herbs and ingredients beautifully. Just be careful not to burn it, as that can make it bitter.
Maple Syrup Benefits
Maple syrup offers several benefits, both nutritional and culinary, when used in moderation. Here’s a breakdown:
Nutritional Value:
• Contains antioxidants (like polyphenols) that may help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. Provides small amounts of minerals like manganese (supports metabolism and bone health) and zinc (aids immune function). Lower glycemic index than refined sugar, causing a slower rise in blood sugar.
Natural Sweetener: Made from the sap of maple trees, it’s a minimally processed, natural alternative to artificial sweeteners or refined sugars.
Culinary Versatility:
• Adds a distinct, rich flavor with caramel and woody notes, enhancing dishes like pancakes, oatmeal, glazes for meats, or baked goods. Pairs well with savory ingredients (e.g., bacon, mustard) and sweet recipes (e.g., cookies, granola).
Potential Health Benefits:
• Some studies suggest maple syrup’s compounds may have anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed. May support gut health due to prebiotic-like compounds that feed beneficial bacteria.
Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, maple syrup production supports sustainable forestry and local economies, especially in regions like Canada and the northeastern U.S.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Storage
Using wax paper, form your dough into a log. Twist the ends of the wax paper and then place in a ziplock or cloth bag. Place the bag in the freezer for 1-2 months. Once thawed, use your cookie scoop and bake the cookies as per the directions. Raw cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Tools Used in This Recipe
Fresh Milled Flour – receive 20% off (no code needed)
Resources
Morissette A, André DM, Agrinier AL, Varin TV, Pilon G, Flamand N, Houde VP, Marette A. The metabolic benefits of substituting sucrose for maple syrup are associated with a shift in carbohydrate digestion and gut microbiota composition in high-fat high-sucrose diet-fed mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Dec 1;325(6):E661-E671. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00065.2023. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37877794.
Saraiva A, Carrascosa C, Ramos F, Raheem D, Lopes M, Raposo A. Maple Syrup: Chemical Analysis and Nutritional Profile, Health Impacts, Safety and Quality Control, and Food Industry Applications. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 21;19(20):13684. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013684. PMID: 36294262; PMCID: PMC9603788.
Dai Y, Peng L, Zhang X, Wu Q, Yao J, Xing Q, Zheng Y, Huang X, Chen S, Xie Q. Effects of coconut water on blood sugar and retina of rats with diabetes. PeerJ. 2021 Jan 29;9:e10667. doi: 10.7717/peerj.10667. PMID: 33575128; PMCID: PMC7849505.
Saraiva A, Carrascosa C, Ramos F, Raheem D, Lopes M, Raposo A. Coconut Sugar: Chemical Analysis and Nutritional Profile; Health Impacts; Safety and Quality Control; Food Industry Applications. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 19;20(4):3671. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043671. PMID: 36834366; PMCID: PMC9964017.
Ingredients
Method
- Turn your skillet on medium heat. Place the cup of butter in the skillet. Let it melt completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Once melted, continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently. It will foam and bubble as the water evaporates. Watch closely as the milk solids begin to turn golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
- You’ll notice a nutty, toasty aroma. The butter should be a deep golden color, but not black (burnt butter tastes bitter). Remove from heat immediately once browned to prevent burning.
- Using a mixer, cream together the brown butter and coconut sugar. Add the vanilla and maple syrup. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add in each egg, one by one and mix together with the wet ingredients.
- Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine all the ingredients together until it’s creamy texture.
- With a spoon or spatula, fold in the the chocolate chips.
- Wrap the dough in wax paper and place in the fridge to chill for a few hours.
- Using a parchment lined baking sheet, scoop out the dough evenly. The dough can be dropped either by a tsp (for smaller cookies) or use a medium cookie scoop (for larger ones).
- Bake at 375℉ for 9-11 minutes or until the outside edges appear crispy and the cookies are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to form about 10 minutes and enjoy!
Notes
I hope you enjoy these brown butter maple chocolate chip cookies. They are such a great twist on the original. If you make them, I’d love for you to tag me on Instagram. Enjoy!
Wendy Lea Walker, NTP
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
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