The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something timeless about chocolate chip cookies that evokes fond memories of childhood, warmth, and comfort. These cookies are crisp on the edges yet soft and chewy in the center, with chunks of dark chocolate that melt in your mouth. This recipe takes the classic cookie to new heights with a touch of spelt flour and a sprinkle of finishing salt, making it a must-try for any cookie enthusiast.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The pairing of dark brown sugar and dark chocolate creates a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect Texture: With a blend of unbleached all-purpose and spelt flour, these cookies deliver a satisfying chewiness coupled with just the right amount of crispness.
- Elevate Your Cookie Game: By adding a pinch of finishing salt, you enhance the sweetness of the chocolate, making each bite a delightful experience.
If you’re tired of chocolate chip cookies that are too sweet or lacking in depth, this recipe is perfect because it combines exceptional ingredients that elevate the traditional cookie into a gourmet treat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making your own chocolate chip cookies at home is a rewarding endeavor that yields delicious results. Follow this step-by-step guide for chocolate chip cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup spelt flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- Jacobsen Guittard Chocolate Salt (or other finishing flake salt)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the unbleached all-purpose flour, spelt flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk the mixture until well combined to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the melted unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well-creamed and light in color.
- Add in the large egg, large egg yolk, and the vanilla extract to the sugar and butter mixture. Continue mixing for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
- Finally, fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, placing five cookies on each sheet—one in each corner and one in the center. For an added touch of decadence, sprinkle a pinch of finishing salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. They will continue to cook slightly while cooling on the rack.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the rack. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Best Way to Store The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Cool Completely: Always let your cookies cool completely before storing them to prevent condensation.
- Seal Tightly: Store in an airtight container to keep moisture out and maintain their chewy texture.
- Room Temperature: Keep them at room temperature to ensure they remain soft.
Storage Time:
- Room temperature: 4-7 days
- Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks
- Frozen: Up to 3 months
Best Ways to Serve The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving cookies can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. Here are some delightful serving ideas:
- Serve warm, fresh from the oven, allowing the chocolate to remain melty.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent cookie sundae.
- Present on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering, garnished with a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Tips to Make The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the cookies relies heavily on the quality of the chocolate and butter, so choose high-quality dark chocolate and unsalted butter.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Different Chocolates: Feel free to mix dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to suit your taste preference.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of flour?
A: Yes! You can substitute the spelt flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Q: How do I keep cookies moist?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the bread will keep the cookies moist.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in individual scoops. When ready to bake, just place them directly onto the baking sheet and bake an extra couple of minutes.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much?
A: This may be due to melted butter or warm dough. Make sure your butter is just melted and try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Indulge in the warmth of freshly baked cookies made from scratch. With these tips, variations, and FAQs, you’re well-equipped to make the best chocolate chip cookies that family and friends will love! Enjoy your baking journey!
Print
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 18
- Total Time: 33
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp on the edges yet soft and chewy in the center, these gourmet chocolate chip cookies are elevated with spelt flour and a sprinkle of finishing salt.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup spelt flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- Jacobsen Guittard Chocolate Salt (or other finishing flake salt)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour, spelt flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together melted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing for another 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold in dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets using a 1/4 cup measure, placing five cookies on each sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of finishing salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and centers are soft. Allow to cool on a rack.
Notes
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.