Ingredients
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of these cookies.
- 1⅓ cups dark brown sugar: Provides moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that complements the browned butter.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds additional sweetness and helps achieve a perfect texture.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy cookie.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Mix-ins:
- 2 cups pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that complements the sweet elements.
- 1 bag Ghirardelli white chocolate chip morsels: Creamy and sweet, these white chocolate chips add richness to every bite.
- 2 small 4 oz bags macadamia nuts: Buttery and soft, macadamia nuts bring a luxurious flavor and texture to these cookies.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan, melt the salted and unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning. Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the cooled browned butter and beat the mixture until creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring the sugars are fully dissolved, leading to a smooth cookie dough. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Add the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chip morsels, macadamia nuts, and pecans (if using). These mix-ins will create pockets of flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, consider chilling the dough for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and leads to a chewier, more flavorful cookie.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Scoop the desired amount of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for about 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and develop their final texture.
Notes
- Browning the Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns, as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. The nutty aroma is your cue to remove it from the heat.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a better texture in your cookies.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture—soft in the center with slightly crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Keywords: Browned butter cookies, macadamia nut cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, pecan cookies, easy cookie recipe