1cupbrown sugar (200g), packedLight or dark both work
½cupgranulated sugar(100g)For crisp edges
1largeeggRoom temperature
1largeegg yolkExtra yolk=extra chewiness
2teaspoonvanilla extract pure, for depth
2½cupsall-purpose flour (300g)Spooned & leveled
2teaspooncornstarchSecret ingredient for tenderness
1teaspoonbaking sodaFor lift
½teaspoonsaltIncrease to 1 teaspoon if using unsalted nuts
1½cupsroasted macadamia nuts (210g)Lightly salted recommend, roughly chop
1½cupshigh-quality white chocolate bar (255g)Quality chip can be used
flaky sea salt for finishing touchOptional but highly recommend
Instructions
Part 1: Prep WorkToast the Macadamia Nuts (if using raw)If your macadamia nuts are raw, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-8 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant . Watch carefully—macadamias burn quickly due to their high fat content. If using already roasted nuts, skip this step.
Step 2: Brown the ButterIn a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan frequently, until the butter foams, then the foam subsides, and golden brown specks appear at the bottom . This takes about 5-8 minutes. The butter will smell wonderfully nutty and toasty. Immediately pour the browned butter into a large heatproof bowl, including all those golden bits, and set aside to cool for 20-30 minutes .
Step 3: Preheat & PrepPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats .
Step 4: Combine Butter and SugarsIn a large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, add the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy .
Step 5: Add Eggs and VanillaAdd the egg and egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition . Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated .
Step 6: Combine Dry IngredientsIn a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt .
Step 7: Mix Wet & DryGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed . Do not overmix—this develops gluten and can lead to tough cookies .
Step 8: Fold in Mix-InsReserve ¼ cup each of white chocolate chunks and macadamia nuts for pressing into the tops of cookies before baking. Gently fold the remaining white chocolate chunks and macadamia nuts into the dough until evenly distributed .
Step 9: Chill the DoughCover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes. This step is essential for preventing spreading and allowing flavors to meld .
Step 10: Scoop the DoughUsing a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into even balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart .
Step 11: Press Extra Mix-Ins on TopPress the reserved white chocolate chunks and macadamia nuts into the tops of each dough ball for that gorgeous, loaded bakery appearance .
Step 12: Bake to PerfectionBake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone . The cookies will continue baking on the hot sheet—pull them when they look just shy of done.
Step 13: Cool ProperlyLet the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely . If desired, sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt while still warm .
Notes
Pro Tips for Award-Winning Results:
Use roasted Macadamia nuts, roasting transforms soft, waxy nuts into buttery, crunchy flavor bombs.
Choose high-quality white chocolate (cocoa butter based) melts into creamy pools; cheap chips stay lumpy.
Add an extra egg yolk it creates that signature chewy texture that keeps people coming back.
Browning the butter adds incredible nutty, caramelized depth that perfectly complements both nuts and chocolate.
Press extra mix-ins on top before baking creates that gorgeous, loaded bakery style cookie.
Don't overtake, pull cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the center look soft, the cookie will set up perfectly on the hot cookie sheet.
Prevent dry, cakey cookies by ensuring you don't pack to much flour into your measuring cup, use the spoon and level method for better results.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, the salt enhances sweetness and adda a sophisticated finishing touch.
Keyword Macadamia nut, Macadamia nut cookie, white chocolate