Why make this recipe
There is something magical about the smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies baking in your kitchen. This recipe for the best chocolate chip cookies brings that magic right to your home. These cookies not only taste fantastic, but they also provide an experience full of warmth and comfort. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to please.
Using browned butter is key to taking this cookie recipe to the next level. It adds a deep, nutty flavor that you won’t get from regular butter. The blend of light brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the cookies a crispy edge while keeping the center soft and chewy. When you add semi-sweet chocolate chips, you end up with cookies that are gooey, sweet, and delightfully rich.
Moreover, baking cookies can be a fun and rewarding activity. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, especially kids. Watching them help mix the ingredients and scoop out the dough will create memories you’ll treasure. Even if you are baking solo, it’s therapeutic to get into the rhythm of mixing, scooping, and baking.
So, let’s dive into all the details and get you ready to bake the best chocolate chip cookies of your life!
How to make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making the best chocolate chip cookies is more than just throwing ingredients together. It’s about following each step carefully to achieve the best results. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these delicious cookies.
Ingredients :
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter*
- 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate
Directions:
Brown the Butter:
- First, place the butter in a small saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low to achieve an even, golden-brown color.
- Use a silicone spatula to stir and scrape the butter from the bottom and sides of the pan every 10 to 15 seconds.
- At first, the butter will melt and foam. As it cooks, the bubbles will become smaller, and the butter will start to smell nutty.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the butter takes on a golden color with small brown bits. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once done, remove the butter from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Mix Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix them well using your silicone spatula.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Next, add one large egg, one egg yolk, and the tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- Now, add the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt into the mixture. Fold the ingredients together until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix.
- The dough should feel soft but not sticky. It should feel like it gives a little when you touch it.
Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing again.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge to chill. You can chill it for at least 1 hour, but it’s fine to leave it up to overnight.
Preheat Oven:
- When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop Dough:
- Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it is scoopable.
- Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion out equal amounts of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes. They should puff up and turn light golden brown on the edges but remain soft in the middle.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
How to serve The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served warm right out of the oven. The chocolate will still be melted and gooey, creating a delightful treat. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a glass of cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee.
For a fun twist, you might want to sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of ice cream in the middle for a delicious ice cream sandwich.
You can also serve them at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. They make a great dessert table addition or a lovely gift packaged in a nice box or jar.
How to store The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
If by some chance you have leftover cookies, they can be stored easily. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week.
If you want to extend their life, consider freezing them. To do this, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
Tips to make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Take your eggs out of the fridge ahead of time to allow them to reach room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter.
Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and helps control spreading as the cookies bake. Don’t rush this step!
Measure Flour Correctly: Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will help avoid adding too much flour, which can make your cookies dry.
Mix Gently: When combining the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. This helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so check for golden brown edges. Pull them out when they are still a bit soft in the middle.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider adding different types of chocolate chips. Try dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and crunch.
For a fun twist, you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth and depth, or some shredded coconut for a unique touch.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but keep in mind that using salted butter may make your cookies saltier. If you do use salted butter, consider reducing the amount of extra salt you add.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one that has a good structure for baking.
Can I bake this cookie dough straight away without chilling?
You can, but the cookies may spread more while baking, which can affect their texture. Chilling the dough helps to keep them thick and chewy.
Now you are fully equipped to make and enjoy The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking!
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Place the butter in a small saucepan and set over medium-low heat. Stir and scrape the butter every 10 to 15 seconds until it becomes golden brown with small brown bits, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Fold in flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until no visible streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Let the dough soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough and place them on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until golden brown on the edges but soft in the middle. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired and let cool slightly before serving.