Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Making chocolate chip cookies is a classic baking project that’s both fun and rewarding.

Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (about 12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

Beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. For larger cookies, you can use a scoop equivalent to about a quarter cup. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. If you prefer softer cookies, aim for the lower end of that range. For crispier cookies, let them bake a little longer.

Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect chocolate chip cookies involves a mix of art and science. Here are some pro tips to elevate your cookies from good to great:

1. Quality Ingredients Matter

• Use high-quality chocolate. The quality of chocolate can make a big difference. Look for good quality chocolate chips or chunks, or even consider chopping up your favorite chocolate bar.
• Opt for real butter instead of margarine or shortening. Butter not only adds flavor but also affects the texture of your cookies.
• Sea salt can enhance the flavors more than regular table salt.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients

• Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smoother, more homogenous batter. This helps in creaming the butter and sugar together more effectively.

3. Brown Sugar for Moisture

• Using more brown sugar than white sugar gives your cookies more moisture and a chewier texture due to the molasses in the brown sugar.

4. Chill the Dough

• Chilling the dough before baking helps in controlling the spread of the cookies, leading to thicker, more flavorful cookies as it allows the ingredients to marinate.

5. Underbake Slightly

• Removing cookies from the oven when they are just barely set in the center can lead to a softer, chewier cookie as they continue to cook on the baking sheet.

6. Size and Spacing

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and shape. Consistent size ensures even baking.
• Space your dough balls properly on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from baking into each other.

7. Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder

• Baking soda helps cookies spread out more, while baking powder can make them rise and become puffier. For classic chewy cookies, stick with baking soda.

8. Add-ins and Toppings

• Beyond chocolate chips, consider adding nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Mix different sizes of chocolate chips or chunks to create texture and ensure chocolate in every bite.

9. Oven Thermometer

• Ovens can be off by a lot; using an oven thermometer ensures you’re baking at the right temperature.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

1. Brown the Butter:

• Cut the butter into pieces and melt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Transfer the browned butter to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and let cool to room temperature.

2. Dry Ingredients:

• Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• Once the butter has cooled, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
• Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Combine:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
• Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) by hand with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

5. Chill the Dough:

• Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). This step is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cookies to bake evenly without spreading too much.

6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Form Cookies:

• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.

8. Bake:

• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

• Enjoy the cookies warm or store them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely to maintain their freshness.

Tips:

• Browning the butter is the key step in this recipe, adding a depth of flavor you don’t get with regular melted or softened butter.
• Chilling the dough not only helps in handling the dough but also enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, since oven temperatures can vary and you don’t want to overbake them.

These brown butter chocolate chip cookies offer a delicious twist on the classic, with a rich, toasty flavor that’s sure to impress.