Sea Salted Brown Sugar Cookies
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
28 mins
-
Total Time
48 mins
-
Servings
24
-
Calories
172 kcal
-
Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
-
Cuisine
American
Sea Salted Brown Sugar Cookies
Description
This cookie recipe begins by browning a portion of butter in the microwave to develop nutty, caramelized flavors with amber color and chestnut flakes. The remaining butter is mixed in once melted and cooled to preserve texture. Dark brown sugar and salt are combined with the butter mixture, then eggs and vanilla create a moist dough.
Flour, baking soda, and baking powder are sprinkled in for leavening and structure, forming a dough that bakes into cookies with tender centers and crisp edges. The cookies are rolled in coarse sanding sugar before baking, resulting in a lightly crunchy coating. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the complex flavor profile.
The balance of caramelized butter sweetness and saltiness offers a gourmet cookie experience suitable for snacks or dessert. Baking sheets lined with parchment ensure even cooking and ease of cleanup.
Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons butter I use salted
- 2 cups dark brown sugar 14 ounces, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour about 10 ½ ounces, unbleached, plus 2 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 egg large
- 1 egg large, yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sanding sugar or granulated sugar
- sea salt flaky, like Maldon
Instructions
- Place 10 tablespoons of the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and cover with a lid, a plate or another bowl to prevent spattering. Microwave the butter on high power for 4 minutes. Check for color. You’re looking for a deep amber color with some chestnut-colored flakes of brown throughout. Continue cooking for 30 seconds at a time until a deep amber color is achieved. This can take anywhere from 4-7 minutes, depending on your microwave.
- Once color is achieved, carefully remove bowl from microwave and stir in remaining 4 tablespoons butter until melted. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large (18 by 12-inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. Place sanding or granulated sugar in a shallow dish.
- Add brown sugar and salt to bowl with cooled butter; whisk together until no sugar lumps remain. Add egg, yolk, and vanilla and whisk together until fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle flour, then baking soda and baking powder evenly over the top of the sugar/butter mixture. Mix with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Divide dough into 24 portions, each about 2 tablespoons, rolling between hands into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Working in batches, toss balls in sugar to coat and set on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, 12 dough balls per sheet.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Return to oven and continue baking until cookies are browned and still puffy and edges have begun to set, but centers are still soft (cookies will look raw between cracks and seem underdone), about 2-4 more minutes. Rotating baking sheet halfway through baking if cookies seem to be baking unevenly. Do not overbake.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet 5 minutes; using wide metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire rack and cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Browning butter adds deep caramel flavors; watch carefully to achieve a deep amber color but avoid burning.
- Use parchment paper-lined baking sheets for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the sweet and salty contrast.
- For detailed techniques and tips, refer to the original Café instructions associated with this recipe.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 172 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 172kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 137mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 44mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 225IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
