Let me tell you, this Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe is like a little revelation for anyone who loves that classic cookie experience without the chocolate chips stealing the spotlight. I discovered these cookies when I wanted something buttery, tender, and packed with flavor—but without the usual mix-ins. What you get is a rich, caramelized butter base that’s simply heavenly, and the texture? Oh, it’s perfectly soft and just a bit chewy, making them an absolute winner for cozy afternoons or an unexpected treat after dinner.
You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully when you want to impress without fuss, or just crave a break from traditional choc-chip overload. I always keep a batch chilling in the fridge because the flavor develops so beautifully over time—you’ll get subtle hints of caramel and vanilla that make each bite memorable. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe, you’ll be reaching for it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, Caramelized Flavor: The browned butter adds a nutty depth that makes these cookies so special.
- Simple Yet Stunning: No chips or add-ins means you get to savor the pure cookie goodness every time.
- Highly Customizable: This base recipe lets you experiment with spices or mix-ins if you want to switch things up.
- Perfect Texture: Soft but chewy, these cookies hit the sweet spot that everyone in my family adores.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays its part to create that beautifully balanced cookie. From the browned butter bringing a rich, nutty essence to the dual sugars that provide both moisture and sweetness—you’re set up for cookie success. I recommend using good-quality brown sugar and real vanilla extract; it really makes a noticeable difference.
- Unsalted butter: Browning this is key—it unlocks a deep, caramel flavor you won’t want to skip.
- All-purpose flour: Give the cookies structure without weighing them down.
- Cornstarch: This helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture I love.
- Baking soda: For gentle leavening and that perfect rise.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness while enhancing all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich, molasses-y depth to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
- Egg and egg yolk: Provide moisture and richness; using both gives the perfect tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: The finishing touch, bringing warmth and aroma.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with adding a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of espresso powder just before baking, and it completely transforms the flavor without overpowering that buttery base.
- Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can give the cookies an exciting twist—I love them spiced up during fall.
- Mix in nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add great texture if you want a little crunch without using chips.
- Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get that soft texture.
- Brown butter swap: If you’re short on time, regular melted butter works, but you’ll miss out on that rich, nutty flavor I adore.
How to Make Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the butter to unlock deep flavor
Start by heating your unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. It will melt, foam, then the milk solids will begin to caramelize and darken—this is the magic moment. Keep a close eye and stir frequently so it doesn’t burn; you want a beautiful amber color and a warm, nutty aroma. Once done, let it cool completely to room temperature before adding to your batter to avoid scrambling your eggs later on.
Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients separately
While the butter cools, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt in a small bowl. Setting this aside keeps your baking process organized and ensures even distribution of leavening and salt for uniform flavor.
Step 3: Beat butter and sugars until sand-like
In a large bowl, beat the cooled browned butter with both brown and granulated sugars on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture will look like very wet sand—don’t rush this step, as it builds the cookie’s texture and helps integrate air that makes them soft and chewy.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla, beat smooth
Next, add your room-temperature egg, yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Beat on medium speed for another 2 to 3 minutes until the batter comes together into a smooth, almost creamy consistency. This step ensures the dough is perfectly hydrated and smooth, so take your time.
Step 5: Fold in dry ingredients and chill
Gently stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or you’ll risk tough cookies. Then, here’s the secret to flavor depth: chill the dough for at least 1 hour, but ideally 24 to 72 hours. I’ve learned from experience that this rest time lets all the flavors mellow and meld beautifully, giving you a cookie you’ll be proud to share.
Step 6: Scoop, rest, and bake
Portion your chilled dough into balls—about 2 tablespoons each works great—and let them sit while you preheat your oven to 350°F. Place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes till golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and add flaky sea salt
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes to set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—it’s the perfect salty-sweet contrast that keeps me coming back for more.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe
- Watch your browned butter closely: It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so stir constantly and remove from heat promptly.
- Chill the dough as long as possible: I discovered that letting it rest overnight enhances flavor and texture dramatically.
- Use room-temperature eggs: It helps the batter come together smoothly and prevents curdling when mixed with butter.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies will firm up as they cool, so pull them out when edges just start to brown.
How to Serve Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it simple with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as the final flourish—this little pop of saltiness highlights the butter’s richness so beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and pretty presentation, especially when serving at brunch or a casual get-together.
Side Dishes
These cookies go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert, or just a big warm mug of milk or coffee to balance the rich flavors. I also enjoy pairing them with fresh fruit like berries for a light contrast that keeps the experience refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside small ramekins of honey and whipped cream—guests love dipping the cookies for an indulgent surprise. You can also decorate with edible flowers or place them between slices of shortcake for a fun, unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking, and my family often sneaks them before dinner’s even over!
Freezing
I’ve found that freezing the dough in balls before baking is a fantastic time saver—just thaw balls overnight in the fridge and bake fresh cookies whenever a craving hits. Baked cookies freeze well, too; just wrap them tightly and enjoy within a month for best taste.
Reheating
To revive leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through and gives the edges a little crispness while keeping that soft chew inside—a little baker’s magic I always rely on.
FAQs
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Can I make these cookies without browning the butter?
Yes, you can melt the butter instead of browning it, but you’ll miss out on the rich, nutty flavor that browned butter contributes. The cookies will still be tasty but less complex in flavor.
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Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in more developed flavors and a better texture. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! While this is a Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe, adding nuts or dried fruit can add an extra layer of texture and flavor if that’s what you prefer. Just fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
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How do I avoid overbaking my cookies?
Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown, even if the centers look soft. They continue to bake on the hot sheet tray and will firm up while cooling, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaking for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe quickly became my go-to whenever I want something classic but a little different. There’s a comforting warmth to that browned butter base and a buttery softness that just melts in your mouth. I really hope you give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie, too. And remember, cooking (and baking) is about having fun, so play around with it if the mood strikes. Happy baking, friend!
PrintChocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including minimum 1 hour chilling; up to 72 hours if preferred)
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Chipless Cookies offer a rich, buttery flavor with a delicate, caramelized note from browned butter, complemented by a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfectly tender with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies deliver indulgence without the traditional chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Browning the Butter: Heat the unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until melted and turning a darker golden-brown color, caramelizing the milk solids. The butter should emit a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: Beat the cooled browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture resembles very wet sand.
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep a tender cookie texture.
- Chilling the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally between 24 to 72 hours, to develop deeper flavors.
- Preparing to Bake: Once chilled, portion the dough into balls and set them aside while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Baking the Cookies: Place dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for longer (up to 72 hours) significantly enhances flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter is properly browned but not burnt to achieve the desired nutty flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and dough consistency.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt while warm balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg