Introduction
Nothing beats a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges and a chewy center. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an all-time favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
225g unsalted butter, room temperature
200g brown sugar
100g granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
320g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
300g dark chocolate, chopped
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped chocolate.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center remains soft.
9. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare to bake by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs to the mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure you space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with flaky sea salt for added flavor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 10: Cool Completely
After the initial cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
Note 1: Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Note 2: Baking Time
Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the cookies, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Note 3: Chocolate Variation
Feel free to use a combination of milk chocolate and dark chocolate or even add nuts if desired for more texture and flavor.
Note 4: Dough Freezing
You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months. Simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, keep the cookies in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks.
Freezer
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
With Milk
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
A La Mode
Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
With Coffee or Tea
Enjoy cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making for a delightful afternoon snack.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (approximation)
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter
Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
Sugars
Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown and granulated sugars for a healthier alternative.
Flour
Almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used in place of regular all-purpose flour for gluten-free cookies.
Chocolate
Switch dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
Eggs
Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce for a vegan-friendly version.
Cook Techniques
Room Temperature Butter
Ensuring your butter is at room temperature helps it cream better with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture for your cookies.
Mixing the Sugars
Beating brown sugar and granulated sugar with butter until light and fluffy incorporates air, contributing to a chewy consistency and rich flavor.
Egg Incorporation
Adding eggs one at a time allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter and improving the overall texture of the cookies.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Thoroughly whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping.
Mixing Techniques
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to dense cookies.
Chocolate Folding
Gently folding in the chopped chocolate keeps the dough from becoming too dense and ensures that each cookie has a generous amount of chocolate.
Cookie Scooping
Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which helps cookies bake evenly and results in a consistent texture throughout.
Monitoring Bake Time
Keeping an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking is crucial to achieve golden edges while maintaining a soft center.
Cooling Techniques
Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes helps them set up without becoming overly hard or crumbly.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate is recommended for a richer flavor, but you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate according to your preference.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I substitute the flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free option.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter is not too soft and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
How do I make chewy cookies?
Using brown sugar, not overmixing the dough, and underbaking slightly will all contribute to a chewier texture in your cookies.
Conclusion
Nothing rivals the joy of biting into a warm chocolate chip cookie with just the right texture and flavor. This recipe captures that perfect balance of crispy edges and a chewy center, ensuring that each cookie is a delightful treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a sweet companion with your favorite beverage, these cookies are a true classic that never disappoints.
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Add a delightful crunch by folding in chopped walnuts alongside the chocolate for a delicious nutty flavor.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
For chocolate lovers, swap out some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder and use chocolate chips for an extra rich treat.
Sea Salt Caramel Stuffed Cookies
Incorporate caramel candies into the dough for a gooey surprise with every bite, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for an irresistible combination.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mix in creamy peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add rolled oats to the dough for a heartier texture, giving these cookies a wholesome feel while keeping them chewy.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Introduce a hint of mint by using mint chocolate chips or adding peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing spin on the classic.
Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies
Incorporate shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Add dried cherries to the dough along with dark chocolate for a fruity contrast that elevates the flavor profile.
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