Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mix Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (this helps with flavor and texture).
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top of each cookie before baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Stack the cookies on a beautiful platter and serve them warm with a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat!