If you’re anything like me and love cookies that surprise you with a delightful twist, this Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. The magic of sweet white miso paired with rich dark chocolate and that nutty brown butter flavor creates a cookie that’s both comforting and unexpected in the best way. Stick with me because once you make these, I promise they’ll become one of your go-to recipes for special treats or just a fun baking day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet miso adds a rich, savory depth that elevates classic chocolate chip cookies.
- Brown Butter Goodness: Browning the butter creates a nutty, caramel note you’ll find irresistible.
- Textural Perfection: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center make every bite satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy pantry needed, just a few staples that come together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen to balance flavor and texture. The key is to use good quality white miso for that subtle umami, and real dark chocolate chunks to bring that luxurious melt in your mouth feeling.

- All Purpose Flour: The foundation gives structure; measuring by weight or spooning into the cup helps prevent dry, dense cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt: Enhances the miso and chocolate, so don’t skip it.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning this is essential for that rich, toasty flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and mild sweetness.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Gives deeper molasses notes and chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugars to avoid overly soft cookies.
- Egg (room temperature): For structure and moisture; room temp is key for smooth mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor with sweet warmth.
- White Miso: The star ingredient for that savory-sweet twist, use good quality for best results.
- Dark Chocolate: I prefer chunks over chips for melty pockets of chocolate luxury.
Variations
I love tweaking recipes to match my mood or pantry, and this miso chocolate chip cookie dough is super forgiving and fun to customize—feel free to get creative!
- Nutty Upgrade: Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch; my family goes crazy for this texture boost.
- Chocolate Choices: Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate if you prefer it sweeter; I’ve done this and still adored the results.
- Diet-Friendly: Try substituting gluten-free flour blends to make it gluten-free; the key is keeping the dough chilled well.
- Spiced Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder adds warmth and depth, especially cozy during cooler months.
How to Make Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Keep a close eye and stir frequently—once you see those golden brown specks forming and your kitchen smells like toasted nuts, remove it from the heat. This step adds layers of flavor you wouldn’t get otherwise, and I promise it’s worth the little patience required.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the butter cools slightly, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This simple mix will evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough, which helps avoid dense spots in your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl or your stand mixer, blend the browned butter with the light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. This step helps dissolve the sugars so your cookie texture turns out just right.
Step 4: Whisk in Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, then whip for 5 to 10 minutes. Yes, this sounds like a long time for cookie dough, but it’s what gives you that light and creamy batter—crucial for a tender crumb. Don’t shortchange this step; it’s a game-changer!
Step 5: Add the Miso and Dry Ingredients
Mix the white miso paste into your batter until just blended. Then, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing only until combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and that’s the last thing you want here.
Step 6: Fold in the Dark Chocolate
Finally, stir in the dark chocolate chunks gently. Chunks melt differently than chips, giving you those decadent gooey pockets of chocolate with every bite. Yum.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough in the fridge for at least an hour. This isn’t just to firm up the dough; chilling really helps control the spreading in the oven and lets flavors meld together for a more complex cookie. I usually make the dough in the morning and bake in the evening—total flavor win.
Step 8: Bake with Care
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange two racks: one in the top third and one in the bottom third. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), space out your dough scoops with about 2 inches between them.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Midway through baking, swap the trays between racks to ensure even cooking—unless you use one tray at a time on the middle rack, which works just as well.
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a pretty light brown but the centers still look soft. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies continue to set as they cool.
Let them rest 10 minutes on the baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack for another 10. This two-step resting helps prevent breakage and keeps the cookie chewy in all the right places.
Pro Tips for Making Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Watch Your Butter: Browning takes just minutes—don’t walk away or you risk burning it; trust your nose and eyes!
- Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Mix until you no longer see flour streaks for the fluffiest outcome.
- Chill is Chill: Skipping the fridge step leads to flatter, greasier cookies—worth the wait for sure.
- Even Sizing Matters: Using a consistent cookie scoop helps ensure all cookies bake evenly. I love my 2-tablespoon scoop for this recipe.
How to Serve Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I like sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking—it cuts through that sweetness beautifully and highlights the miso’s umami. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty touch for guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of green tea. I especially love the contrast of the miso’s savory notes with a robust cup of black coffee or a smooth matcha latte—it’s a match made in heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes sandwich a dollop of homemade vanilla or miso-infused ice cream between two cookies—total crowd-pleaser. Serving these on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and nuts makes an inviting dessert platter that guests won’t stop raving about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully chewy for up to 4 days. I like putting a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft; it really works like a charm!
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time—fresh cookies anytime!
Reheating
To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the melty chocolate and softens the cookie without drying it out.
FAQs
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What does miso do in this chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Miso adds a subtle savory depth and umami flavor that balances the cookie’s sweetness. It enhances the overall taste complexity without making the cookie taste salty or fermented, giving a uniquely rich flavor you won’t find in traditional chocolate chip cookies.
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Can I use a different type of miso?
White miso is ideal because it’s mild and slightly sweet, but you can experiment with yellow or red miso if you enjoy a stronger, earthier flavor. Just start with a smaller amount to see how the flavor changes.
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How long can I store these cookies?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to four days. After that, they’re still good for snacking but may start to harden or lose their fresh-baked texture.
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Why does the recipe call for browning the butter?
Browning the butter develops rich, nutty flavors that add amazing depth to the cookies. It’s a simple step that transforms the whole flavor profile, making these cookies stand out from your average chocolate chip offering.
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Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Try substituting the butter with a plant-based vegan butter and using flaxseed or chia seed egg replacers. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly, but the miso and chocolate combo still shines.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe takes a humble cookie to new heights with just one little ingredient — white miso. When I first tried adding miso, I was genuinely surprised at how beautifully it deepened the flavor without overpowering the sweetness. These cookies are now a staple in my kitchen, and I truly hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do. Grab your ingredients, prep the dough, and let this recipe bring a fun twist to your cookie game—you won’t regret it!
Print
Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BEST Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the subtle umami of sweet white miso paste, creating an irresistible twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With a perfectly chewy interior, crispy edges, and deep, complex flavors, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite for any cookie lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tbsp white miso
Additional
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
Instructions
- Browning the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over high heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and cook the butter until it develops brown bits and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Sugars with Butter: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the browned butter along with the light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the sugar and butter mixture. Whisk or beat for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate Miso: Add the white miso paste and mix thoroughly until fully combined. This adds a subtle umami depth to the cookie dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Pour in the flour mixture and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold the dark chocolate chunks or chips into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step prevents the butter from melting too fast during baking and helps develop richer flavors and better texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Position one oven rack in the top third and another in the bottom third. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are light brown. Halfway through baking, swap the baking sheets between the top and bottom racks to ensure even baking. Alternatively, bake each sheet one at a time in the center of the oven.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack for an additional 10 minutes. This helps the cookies set perfectly and finish cooling.
Notes
- Sweet white miso adds a unique savory complexity to the cookies, balancing the sweetness and enriching the flavor.
- Resting the dough in the fridge enhances flavor development and creates a better texture by slowing butter melt during baking.
- Swapping baking sheets midway through baking promotes even cooking and color on all cookies.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 276 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 51 mg


