Instructions

1. 1. Begin by making the brown butter: Place 3/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. This low heat is essential for an even, golden browning.
2. 2. Use a silicone spatula to stir and scrape the butter from the bottom and sides of the pan every 10 to 15 seconds.
3. 3. After a few minutes, the butter will melt and foam. As time progresses, the foam bubbles will get smaller, and the butter will emit a warm, nutty aroma.
4. 4. Continue this process for about 5 to 7 minutes until the butter takes on a golden color and small brown bits appear. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the butter to cool for about 5 minutes until it is warm but not scalding hot.
5. 5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well with a spatula.
6. 6. Add in 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk (both at room temperature) along with 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
7. 7. Gradually fold in 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Be careful not to overmix; stop mixing when no streaks of flour remain.
8. 8. Fold in 1 1/4 cups of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) until evenly distributed.
9. 9. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
10. 10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
11. 11. Once chilled, allow the dough to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it is scoopable.
12. 12. Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion out cookie dough, placing them on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each ball.
13. 13. Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes until they are puffed up, light golden brown around the edges, and still soft in the middle.
14. 14. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if using) and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.