Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free Version!)

When the aroma of browned butter fills your kitchen, you know something magical is happening. Browning butter transforms it: the milk solids toast, the scent deepens into nutty richness, and every bite gains complexity. That’s the heart of this gluten-free brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe — a cookie that looks classic but delivers upgraded flavor.

Gluten-free baking has evolved so much: we now have blends, alternative flours, and clever techniques that let you enjoy soft, chewy, crisp cookies without wheat. These cookies use brown butter for depth, a mix of brown + granulated sugar, and generous chocolate chunks to keep the indulgence. Because you’re working gluten-free, there’s always an art to getting texture right — not too crumbly, not too dense — and this recipe walks that balance.

You’ll learn how to brown butter, mix gently, bake with flair, and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Below is the full recipe (ingredients exactly as written), instructions, nutrition facts, plus variations, best pairings, and occasions. Let’s bake something unforgettable.

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Gluten-Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe Details

Yield: 24 cookies
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hr 5 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 ¼ cups gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar, lightly packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 (2.8-ounce) chocolate bars, roughly chopped
• Flaky salt, for sprinkling

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brown the butter: place the butter in a small saucepan and simmer, swirling occasionally, until brown bits form and it smells nutty (about 10 minutes). Let it cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
4. In a stand mixer (paddle attachment) or large bowl, add both sugars and the cooled brown butter; mix on low for 2 minutes. The ingredients may look separated — that’s okay.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add vanilla.
6. Slowly add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate pieces.
7. Using a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, portion dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand. Sprinkle flaky salt on top.
8. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough.

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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per cookie (based on 24-cookie yield).

Serving Size	1 cookie
Calories	approx. 180
Protein	2 g
Carbs	23 g
Sugar	14 g
Fiber	1 g
Fat	8 g

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Recipe Variations & Tips

• Double Chocolate: Use half of the chocolate bars as cocoa powders or extra chocolate chunks for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: Ensure your gluten-free flour blend is nut-free and omit chocolate that may contain nuts or process in a nut-free environment.
• Chewy vs Crisp: Bake closer to 9 minutes for a softer center, or 10 for crisper edges.
• Cold Dough Hack: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
• Salt Flair: A light sprinkle of flaky salt on warm cookies enhances the chocolate’s sweetness and elevates the flavor profile.
• Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days; freeze extras and rewarm slightly before serving.

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Best Pairings for these Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Vanilla bean ice cream — scoop hot cookie over ice cream
• Espresso or strong coffee — contrasts richness with bitterness
• Warm almond milk or oat milk — a gentle, cozy pairing
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) — bright fruit cuts dessert richness
• Salted caramel drizzle or warm chocolate sauce — extra luxe dessert touch

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Occasions & Events Where Cookies are a Hit

• Holiday cookie exchanges — these stand out with brown butter flavor
• Birthday dessert tables — a gourmet twist to classic cookies
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks — elegant, comforting treat
• Baking parties / cookie swaps — fun recipe to share and sample
• Comfort food evenings or movie nights — warm, cozy, nostalgic

Recipe by Megan Mitchell