Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something special about fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. The smell that fills your kitchen as they bake is warm and inviting. Everyone loves that moment when you bite into a cookie, and the chocolate melts in your mouth. There is joy in sharing cookies with friends and family. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to making one of the most beloved desserts of all time: chocolate chip cookies.
Why Make This Recipe
This chocolate chip cookie recipe stands out because of how rich and flavorful it is. Using brown butter adds a unique twist that elevates the traditional chocolate chip cookie to something truly special. The combination of brown sugar and regular sugar creates a perfect blend of sweetness, while the extra egg yolk gives the cookies a wonderful chewy texture.
Baking cookies is also a wonderful activity to do with children or friends. It encourages teamwork and creativity. Plus, you get delicious cookies at the end! Whether it’s for a special occasion, a dessert for a family dinner, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe will serve you well.
And with just a few ingredients you might already have in your pantry, this recipe is easy to follow. So, let’s dive into making the best chocolate chip cookies!
How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making chocolate chip cookies can be fun and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make these delicious cookies at home.
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
*Note: Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your cookies.
Directions
Brown the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, place the unsalted butter and set it over medium-low heat. It is important to use low heat to achieve a nice, even golden brown color.
- Use a silicone spatula to stir the butter gently. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan every 10 to 15 seconds.
- First, the butter will melt and foam. As you continue to cook, the foam will decrease, and you will begin to smell a warm, nutty aroma.
- Continue cooking until the butter takes on a golden brown color, and you see small brown bits forming, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once you achieve this, take the saucepan off the heat and let the brown butter cool for a couple of minutes.
Mix the Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use your spatula to combine everything well.
- Add the large egg and the extra yolk along with 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and mix until the mixture is smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Now, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt into the bowl.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft yet not sticky. When you touch it gently with a finger, it should give just a little.
Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed in the dough. Be cautious not to overmix.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the dough chill for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, up to overnight.
Preheat the Oven:
- When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
Scoop the Dough:
- Take the cookie dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it’s easier to scoop.
- Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion out equal amounts of dough. Place each scoop on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 to 13 minutes. They should puff up and have light golden edges, while still being a little soft in the middle.
- Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the cookies while they are warm.
Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack or serving.
How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own or with a glass of milk. They make a wonderful addition to a gathering or celebration. You can also present them on a beautiful plate, arranged in a fun way, as a part of a dessert table. Serve them warm for the best experience, as the chocolate will still be melted. Friends and family will love the combination of flavors and textures.
How to Store Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from getting hard. If you want to keep them even longer, you can store them in the fridge or freeze them. Just ensure to allow frozen cookies to thaw for a while before eating or reheating, so they regain their delightful texture.
Tips to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the batter helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. It can lead to tough cookies.
- Brown Butter Carefully: Pay attention while browning the butter. It goes from brown to burnt quickly!
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven thermometer can be helpful to ensure your cookies bake properly.
Variation
If you want to add a twist to your chocolate chip cookies, consider these options:
- Nuts: Fold in walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Different Chips: Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, the taste and texture may differ from using real butter. Butter gives the best flavor and richness.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
In an airtight container, they should stay fresh for up to a week on the counter. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks.
3. Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before scooping it into balls. Just shape the dough, freeze it individually, and then store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time from frozen.
By following this guide, you will surely impress your family and friends with your cookie-making skills. Happy baking!
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, place the unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir gently and scrape the bottom and sides of the pan every 10 to 15 seconds.
- Cook until the butter is golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, then cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the egg and extra yolk along with vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Add flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet mixture.
- Gently fold until no flour streaks remain; do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Let dough sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies for 12 to 13 minutes until puffed with light golden edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.