BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who can resist the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the home? This recipe promises to deliver the ultimate cookie experience: soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these best chocolate chip cookies are bound to bring smiles and satisfy cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of light brown sugar with semisweet chocolate chips creates a rich and delightful taste.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies achieve the ideal balance between crisp edges and a soft, gooey center.
- Memorable Moments: Baking these cookies is not just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen, whether with family or friends.
The blend of these factors makes this recipe special and ensures it will become a staple in your baking routine.
How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Follow this step-by-step guide to making the best chocolate chip cookies, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious cookies to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semisweet chocolate chips (recommended brands: Trader Joe’s, Guittard, or Ghirardelli)
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted and cooled unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Ensure that the butter is not hot but can be slightly warm. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, leaving a few streaks of flour. Then, pour in the semisweet chocolate chips and continue to fold the dough until the chocolate chips are evenly dispersed and the flour is completely blended in. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
Scoop and Bake: Using a 2oz cookie scoop (or a 1/4 measuring cup), scoop out portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Place about 5 cookies per sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes (12 minutes for a gooey texture and 15 minutes for a more well-done cookie). If you are using a regular-sized cookie scoop, aim for 6 cookies per sheet and set a baking time of 10-12 minutes instead.
Cool the Cookies: The cookies are done when they have a golden ring around the edge but remain pale and puffed in the center. If the cookies spread too much, use a fork to gently nudge the sides immediately after removing them from the oven. Top your cookies with a few extra chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and continue baking the rest of the dough. Allow the cookies to cool for about 20 minutes before enjoying. They are best served warm, with chocolate chips still melty.
Storage Tips for Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep these cookies as fresh as possible, follow these storage guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Best Ways to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your baking experience:
- With Milk: A classic pairing, serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The combination is a childhood favorite that never gets old.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform your cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches. Simply take two cookies and a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delicious dessert treat.
- Cookie Crack Sundae: Crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent sundae.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve warm cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Tips for Making Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is melted but cooled. Hot butter can affect the dough’s consistency and end result.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid overly dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until the ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Variable Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies because baking times can vary greatly depending on your oven and preference for gooeyness!
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
A: While you can substitute margarine for butter, it may affect the richness and texture of the cookies.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: Look for a golden ring around the edges and a puffed center. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after being pulled from the oven.
Q: Can I add nuts or oatmeal to the recipe?
- Absolutely! You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or replace 1/2 cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for a different texture!
These best chocolate chip cookies are bound to impress everyone who tries them. With their perfect mix of flavors, textures, and nostalgia, they might just become your go-to cookie recipe for years to come. Grab your apron and start baking!
Print
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted and cooled unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually pour the flour mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Add the chocolate chips and mix until just blended.
- Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Cool on a rack for about 20 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Best served warm with freshly melted chocolate chips. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.