Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Brown the Butter

   Add 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) of unsalted butter into a pan. Let it melt slowly on medium-low heat. Continue heating until the butter starts to bubble up and the milk solids sink to the bottom and turn a beautiful golden hue, indicating it has browned. This process happens quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

2. 2.Cool the Butter

   Transfer the browned butter, including the toasted milk solids, into a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool down for about 5 minutes. Cooling is important to prevent the cookies from becoming greasy.

3. 3.Add Sugars and Egg

   Add 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the cooled browned butter. Mix with a spatula until the butter is fully incorporated and the sugars are nice and fluffy. Then, crack in 1 large egg at room temperature and mix again until fully combined and the mixture has a lava-like consistency.

4. 4.Incorporate Flavorings and Leavening

   Add an unspecified quantity of vanilla extract, an unspecified quantity of coarse kosher salt, and an unspecified quantity of baking soda to the mixture. Aim the baking soda into the vanilla extract to activate it. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and even.

5. 5.Add Flour and Chocolate Chips

   Add an unspecified quantity of all-purpose flour and an unspecified quantity of dark chocolate chips to the wet ingredients at the same time. Mix with a spatula until no white flour is visible, ensuring the flour and chocolate chips are fully incorporated into the dough.

6. 6.Scoop and Prepare for Baking

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a large cookie scoop (or ice cream scooper), scoop large dollops of cookie dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently clean up the edges of each scooped dough ball. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of fleur de sel (Maldon sea salt) on top of a few dough balls and gently press it in.

7. 7.Bake the Cookies

   Place the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

8. 8.Cool and Serve

   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes to fully cool down and set before handling. Serve warm, perhaps with a glass of milk for dipping.