Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of melted butter in a cookie recipe, but it will have some impact on the taste and texture of the cookies. Here's what you need to know:
Texture: Using softened unsalted butter instead of melted butter will result in a slightly different texture in the cookies. Melted butter tends to spread the dough more, leading to thinner and crisper cookies. Softened unsalted butter, on the other hand, will likely yield cookies that are slightly thicker and more tender.
Flavor: Unsalted butter has a pure buttery flavor without the added salt, which means the cookies may have a milder taste compared to when using melted salted butter. The absence of salt in the butter might make the cookies seem less savory, and the sweetness of the other ingredients may be more pronounced.
Salt Content: Most cookie recipes include additional salt as an ingredient. When using unsalted butter, you might need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the flavors properly. If your recipe already includes a significant amount of salt, you might not notice a significant difference.
Mixing and Incorporation: When using softened unsalted butter, you'll need to cream it with the sugars thoroughly to ensure proper incorporation of the ingredients. This will help the cookies achieve the desired texture and structure.
Chilling the Dough: When using softened butter, the dough might be slightly softer than when using melted butter. In such cases, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for a short period can help firm it up before baking.
Ultimately, using softened unsalted butter instead of melted butter won't drastically alter the cookies, but it's essential to consider the impact on texture and taste. If you prefer a slightly softer and less salty cookie, using unsalted butter might be a good choice. Remember to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly to achieve the desired flavor profile.