Mouthful? Maybe. Delicious? Definitely. Miso has always been on my to bake list–the interplay of savory umami notes with it’s salty nature isn’t a new concept but a fascinating one regardless. 

Why not be extra and add brown butter? Could chocolate chips be added without overpowering the complex flavors of the other two contributors? Alas, a food experiment is borne! And what better time than in time for the Twelve Bakes of Christmas?!

Can a picture smell so good? The scent of brown butter is so enticing, a great incentive to not let it burn!

(Jump to recipe here!)

With the variety of bite sized baked in this world, I don’t think I could get tired of them. From the fruity thumbprints, the decadent shortbreads, scones….the list goes on. For cookies in particular, my friend group is divided among those who enjoy a good fresh soft cookie, and those who like carb rocks to nibble on (can you guess which school of thought I fall into?). While this cookie didn’t turn out as a true giant soft cookie–I used a tablespoon to parse into decent sizes so it was easy to share–this definitely is not a rock hard cookie.

Also of note…this recipe is a literal cobbled effort, tapped into the food science bit to get things in order–will likely update over future bakes once I determine my favorite leavening combo for that coveted soft gooey texture since one roommate is hooked and I really shouldn’t eat these all myself!

You’ll note the recipe doesn’t have a chocolate chip amount, because I waited until I did 6 chocolate chip free cookies to compare against. Both options are good but I’d say the chocolate chip inclusive version is kinder on those who are miso skeptics or those craving a more indulgent cookie overall.

As another note, apple cider vinegar is used as a way to activate the baking soda. If that seems weird to you, use 1 tsp of maple syrup. You just need a bit of acid to activate the baking soda!

Items to be creamed. Resist the urge to just eat as is, the smell of brown butter being creamed already smells like fresh baked cookies.
Now with a video option!

Ingredients
~24 cookies

  • 1 Stick butter, browned (Instructions in step 1-2)
  • 50g brown sugar (~1/4 cup)
  • 50g white sugar (~1/4 cup)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 35g white miso (~2 tbsp)
  • 5mL apple cider vinegar (~1 tsp)
  • 200g all purpose flour (~1.5 cups)
  • 6g baking soda (~1 tsp)
  • ~1/2 bag of chocolate chips (feel free to add more/less)

Steps

  1. Place a small pot on medium low heat, adding butter. Once it starts melting stir frequently until milk solids drop out and liquid turns brown.
  2. Turn off heat. Pour butter into a container to freeze (~40 minutes) or refrigerate (~2 hours). Can make days ahead.
  3. Cream sugars and brown butter together.
  4. Add egg, vanilla, white miso, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Add dry ingredients in batches–I used a 1/4 cup scoop. Mix in chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pre heat oven at 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and place cookies about 1-2″ apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Cookies will come out soft! If not using chocolate chips, can bake for 7-8 minutes.

Stay Hungry
XOXO
Mish ♥