Why Make This Recipe
There are countless cookie recipes out there, but few can rival the rich, chocolatey allure of double chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are not just any treat; they are a delightful indulgence that combines the richness of cocoa powder with glorious semisweet chocolate chunks. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Double chocolate chip cookies are a joy to make and share. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or just an afternoon snack. Moreover, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these cookies bake is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. It’s an inviting smell that brings everyone running to the kitchen, eager to taste these mouthwatering delights.
In addition to being delicious, making cookies from scratch offers a fulfilling experience. You choose fresh ingredients, control the sweetness, and create an end product that’s sure to impress friends and family. This recipe allows you to craft gooey, fudgy cookies that are deliciously soft on the inside and slightly crisp around the edges. Plus, they are simple to make, so even novice bakers can succeed in creating these sweet treats.
How to Make Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making double chocolate chip cookies is simpler than you might think. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients
To create your own batch of double chocolate chip cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- ½ lb unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup good unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ lbs semisweet chocolate chunks
Directions
Preheat your oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, take the unsalted butter and both types of sugar—granulated and brown. Use a mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. A well-creamed mixture helps give the cookies a nice texture.
Add vanilla and eggs. Next, pour in the vanilla extract. Then, add the two extra-large eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition. This will help to properly incorporate the ingredients.
Mix in cocoa powder. Once the eggs are well mixed in, sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder. Blend until everything is just combined. This rich ingredient is what gives these cookies their signature chocolate flavor.
Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures the dry ingredients mix evenly.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Now, switch back to your mixer, but set it to low speed. Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookies’ texture.
Fold in the chocolate chunks. With a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks. This step adds extra chocolatey goodness to every cookie.
Prepare the cookie dough. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each scoop as the cookies will spread while baking. For an even cook, flatten each scoop lightly with the back of a spatula.
Bake. Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for exactly 15 minutes. You want them to be slightly soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Cool down. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential, as it helps set the cookies’ structure.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to enjoy them. You can serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk, or perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an amazing dessert.
For a fun twist, try making an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This treat is perfect for hot summer days or any time you’re craving something special.
You can also serve them at gatherings, accompanied by coffee or hot chocolate. Their rich taste pairs beautifully with both drinks! Just arrange them on a colorful platter, and watch them disappear as your guests enjoy their sweet treat.
How to Store Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you manage to have any cookies leftover, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. You can place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them soft and chewy.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. To do this, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen cookies can last up to three months, and you can thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a warm treat whenever you want one!
Tips to Make Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make your double chocolate chip cookies even better, consider these tips:
Use room temperature ingredients. Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them mix more thoroughly, resulting in a better texture.
Measure flour accurately. Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This method prevents packing, which can lead to dense cookies.
Don’t overmix. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Keep an eye on baking time. Everyone’s oven is different. Start checking the cookies a couple of minutes before the indicated time to prevent overbaking.
Experiment with add-ins. Feel free to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy contrast, or use different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate chunks.
Variations
There are countless ways to customize your double chocolate chip cookies. Here are a few variations to try:
Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl: After mixing the dough, fold in some peanut butter or swirl it on top before baking.
Chocolate Mint: Stir in some chopped mint chocolate for a unique flavor profile that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising and delicious heat.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted. Just omit the kosher salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is appropriate for baking to achieve the best results.
How can I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them. Pull the cookies out of the oven when they are still soft in the center, as they will continue baking from residual heat after removing them from the oven.
What can I do if my dough is too thick?
If the dough feels too thick and hard to mix, you can add a tablespoon of milk to help loosen it up. Just do so gradually to ensure you don’t make the dough too wet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature a bit before scooping and baking.
With these tips and variations, your double chocolate chip cookies will be a hit every time you make them. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delightful outcome of your efforts!
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sprinkle in the cocoa powder and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture at low speed, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop scoops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until slightly soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.