Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat that many people enjoy. They are delicious, warm, and comforting, making them perfect for any occasion. This recipe stands out because it gives you the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted. The dough is soft, and the cookies are chewy with a perfect balance of flavors. Everyone loves them, from kids to adults. You can serve them at parties, bake them for special occasions, or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk at home. Making chocolate chip cookies from scratch is also fun and fulfilling. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends in the kitchen. The smell of cookies baking will fill your home with warmth and happiness.
How to Make BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you want to make the best chocolate chip cookies, follow these steps carefully. You will enjoy the process of creating the dough and watching the cookies rise in the oven. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 cups (162g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly. While your oven heats up, you’ll prepare your baking sheets.Prepare Baking Sheets
Take two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking.Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt. After mixing, set this bowl aside.Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whip this mixture together with a whisk. Keep whisking for about 1 to 2 minutes by hand, or about 30 seconds if you use an electric mixer on medium speed. Stop when the mixture is smooth and leaves ribbons when you whisk it.Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to your sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until most of the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.Add Chocolate Chips
Once the dry ingredients are almost mixed in, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Your cookie dough should be soft and smooth.Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a large 2 oz cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave at least 3 inches of space between each cookie. This allows them to spread without touching.Add Extra Chocolate Chips
To make the cookies look extra attractive, you can press a few additional chocolate chips onto the top of your cookie dough balls before baking.Bake
Place the baking sheets in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You will know they are done when the cookies are puffed up and the edges are golden brown.Shape the Cookies (Optional)
When you take the trays out of the oven, you can use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a cup to gently push in any misshapen edges while the cookies are still hot. This helps in creating perfectly circular cookies.Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
How to Serve BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your chocolate chip cookies can be just as fun as baking them. Here are a few ideas:
- With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than dipping warm cookies into a cold glass of milk. It adds a classic touch.
- At Parties: Place cookies on a nice platter or in a jar for guests to help themselves.
- With Ice Cream: For a delicious dessert, serve your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even turn them into ice cream sandwiches.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking for an extra flavor boost.
How to Store BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your cookies properly keeps them fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some tips for storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge. They will last for two weeks, but they may lose some of their softness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a ziplock bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out great:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg is at room temperature. It helps to combine better with the other ingredients.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until you do not see any streaks of flour.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste. Use good quality chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract.
Variation
You can easily customize this chocolate chip cookie recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:
- Add Nuts: Try adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
- Use Different Chips: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, or even a mix of different types.
- Make them Chewier: For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. The cookies may be denser and have a nuttier taste. You may want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and using a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. How do I fix cookies that spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is cooled, but still in liquid form. Additionally, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Now you have everything you need to make the best chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy the process and share with family and friends! Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop portions of dough (about 2 oz each) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 3 inches apart.
- Press additional chocolate chips on top of each dough ball if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and edges are golden brown.
- Optional: Use a cookie cutter to reshape cookies while hot.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.