I was babysitting my little niece this week while my sister was at work. Putting in long hours at her law firm… what I will soon be doing one day.  But not yet… and definitely not today. 

So I decided to bake cookies. 

I mean, what better treat to come home to than a house smelling of vanilla and freshly baked cookies?

There isn’t much else better.

I used a recipe from my favorite blog Howsweetitis.com.  The post was titled Brown Butter Oatmeal Chunk Cookies.  I decided to see what this “brown butter” was all about.

I have never used browned butter in cookies before.  Probably because I don’t really like using butter. I know, I know…I'm a baker who doesn’t like butter.  Go figure.

Basically you melt the butter in a saucepan until it turns brown (5-6 minutes, stirring constantly) and then remove it right before it burns.  Hmm, simple enough I guess?!? 

These cookies are a winner.

They will make a great end to anyone’s long day at the office :)

Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

(adapted from howsweetitis.com. Make about 20 cookies)

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup dark or light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• ¾ cups rolled oats
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (I chop a chocolate bar)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if dough is too dry)

Directions:

- Brown the butter.  Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat and add butter. Whisking constantly, cook butter until bubbly and until brown bits are on the bottom of the pan (5-6 minutes) Remove mmediately from heat when it turns brown and stir for 30 more seconds. then let cool until warm.

- In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, oats and cinnamon.

- Add cooled butter to a bowl with sugars and stir until smooth. Add in egg and vanilla, stirring until smooth once again.

- Add in the dry ingredients and milk if it is dry.  Mix dough together and add chocolate chips. (you can refrigerate dough 30 minutes if you want)

 -  Bake at 375 degree for about 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.  Rotate sheets halfway through baking.  Let cool.