Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe

If you love cookies but want to enjoy something a little different, these Chocolate Chipless Cookies are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. They capture all the comforting textures and buttery richness of your favorite treat, without a single chocolate chip in sight. Rich browned butter, a perfect hint of vanilla, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt make these cookies irresistibly delicious, proving that sometimes less is more in the best possible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients sets the stage for cookies that are rich, soft, and perfectly textured. Each element plays a special role, from the nutty depth of browned butter to the delicate balance of sugars and flours.

• 1 cup unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s the heart of this cookie’s irresistible aroma.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic cookie texture we all love.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Lightens the texture, making these cookies tender and soft.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount and creates a gentle chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel taste that pairs beautifully with browned butter.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the crisp edges and subtle crunch.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together, promoting a smooth dough.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Adds extra richness and chew to the cookie texture.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, sweet fragrance that elevates the simple ingredients.

How to Make Chocolate Chipless Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it changes color and the milk solids begin to caramelize, transforming the butter into a golden brown with a velvety nutty aroma. This step is the secret to adding depth and richness, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Setting these aside will make it easy to incorporate them smoothly into the dough later.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars

Once your browned butter has cooled to room temperature, beat it together with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture takes on a texture like very wet sand. This step ensures your cookies will have that perfect balance of chewiness and slight crunch.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk along with the vanilla extract until the dough becomes smooth and creamy. This rich base sets the stage for an indulgent cookie experience.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can toughen the dough. You want a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour, although letting it rest between 24 to 72 hours really allows the flavors to deepen and develop fully. Patience here results in extraordinary taste.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into balls spaced about two inches apart, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt to contrast the rich sweetness beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Chipless Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are fabulous on their own, but a little extra can elevate the experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small smear of softened butter adds a lovely touch. For celebrations, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup complements their warm caramel notes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve these Chocolate Chipless Cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or a comforting mug of hot tea. Their richness pairs especially well with bold, slightly bitter beverages that balance the sweet buttery flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite nut butter. You can also crumble them over a bowl of Greek yogurt or pudding for texture and flavor that surprises in the best way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Chipless Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and tasty for up to five days, making them a great find for midweek treats or sharing with friends.

Freezing

Cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months. Portion the dough into balls, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the baking time, whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring out their fresh-baked charm, warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven or microwave until just warmed through. This revives the soft texture and enhances the comforting aroma, making them taste like they came straight from the oven.

FAQs

Why are these called Chocolate Chipless Cookies?

They get their name from the fact that they are traditional cookies made without any chocolate chips, focusing instead on the rich browned butter and balanced sweetness for flavor.

Can I substitute the unsalted butter for salted butter?

While salted butter can be used, it may affect the overall saltiness. Since this recipe calls for sea salt topping, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control the flavor precisely.

What happens if I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up and develop flavors. Without chilling, the cookies may spread too much and lack that deep, developed taste that makes this recipe special.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely. Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chunks can be added for different textures and flavors, but be mindful that this will no longer be a pure Chocolate Chipless Cookies recipe.

Are these cookies allergen-friendly?

This recipe contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with those allergies. However, substitutions could be experimented with for specific dietary needs, although the texture and flavor might vary.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving a cookie that feels classic but surprises with its unique approach, these Chocolate Chipless Cookies are a total winner. The rich brown butter and perfect balance of sugars create a mouthwatering experience that’s cozy, comforting, and utterly satisfying. I encourage you to give them a try — once you do, they’ll probably become one of your favorite go-to treats, just like they are for me!

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