The smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen brings back childhood memories. My mom’s cookies were a weekly tradition that united our family. Now, as an adult, I still crave that feeling of biting into a soft, chewy cookie with gooey chocolate chips.
If you’re searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, your search ends here. This recipe is the result of hours of testing and perfecting. It makes cookies that are soft in the middle and crispy on the edges – the ultimate goal in baking.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This recipe produces soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with melty chocolate in every bite.
- The use of melted butter, a higher ratio of brown sugar, and an extra egg yolk ensures the perfect texture.
- No mixer is required, making this an easy-to-follow recipe for bakery-style results at home.
- The cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy them long after the baking is done.
- Detailed tips and tricks are provided to help you achieve the best possible chocolate chip cookies every time.
Why These Are the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Looking for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe? You’ve found it. These best chewy chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delightful. Their big butterscotch flavor and amazing texture make them a new family favorite.
Key Features That Make Them Special
What makes these double chocolate chip cookies stand out is their unique mix of all-purpose and bread flour. This mix creates a chewy and satisfying texture. The dough needs chilling for 24-72 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to develop into something truly exceptional.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
These chocolate chip cookie recipe have become a beloved classic. They’ve gotten millions of page views and positive reviews from readers. The combination of thick, soft middles and crisp edges makes them a standout in chocolate chip cookies.
Taste and Texture Profile
- Thick and super chewy
- Soft and slightly gooey in the middle
- Crisp and crunchy edges
- Intense butterscotch flavor
It’s easy to see why these cookies are so popular. They offer an irresistible taste and texture. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chocolate chip cookie or something unique, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Essential Ingredients for Success
The key to baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies begins with selecting the finest ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, unsalted butter, and sugars. Also, vanilla extract, eggs, and semi-sweet chocolate chips are key. The secret to soft cookies is balancing these ingredients well.
This recipe incorporates a higher amount of brown sugar compared to white sugar. Brown sugar’s molasses keeps the cookies moist and chewy. Melted butter and an extra egg yolk add richness and chewiness.
For ultra-soft cookies, cornstarch is added. It helps the cookies stay thick and tender, preventing them from spreading too much.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250 grams) |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted and cooled | 1 cup (226 grams) |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup (150 grams) |
| Brown sugar, packed | 3/4 cup (150 grams) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Eggs | 2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups (340 grams) |
By choosing and measuring these ingredients carefully, you’re on your way to making the best chocolate chip cookies. They’ll be soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
The Science Behind Soft and Chewy Cookies
Making the perfect soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies is a challenge. But, knowing the science behind it can help a lot. Let’s explore the key factors that make these treats so irresistible.
The Role of Melted Butter
Melted butter is the key to these soft chocolate chip cookies. It makes the cookies chewier and more decadent. But, melted butter can also make them look greasy. To fix this, we’ll add a bit more flour.
Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar Balance
The mix of brown sugar and white sugar is important for the right chewy chocolate chip cookie texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and softness. White sugar helps them get crispy. Together, they create the perfect balance.
The Impact of Cornstarch and Extra Egg Yolk
Cornstarch and an extra egg yolk make the cookies ultra-soft and tender. Cornstarch absorbs moisture. The extra egg yolk adds richness and helps the dough stick together. This results in a soft and chewy cookie baking science wonder.
By focusing on melted butter, sugar balance, and adding cornstarch and extra egg yolk, you can make the ultimate soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. You’ll impress everyone with your cookie baking science skills!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect how to bake chocolate chip cookies is simpler than you think. Just follow this easy chocolate chip cookie recipe for soft, chewy, and tasty cookies every time.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or up to 3-4 days.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) when you’re ready to begin baking.
- Scoop the chilled dough into tall, cylindrical balls, rather than wide, smooth ones, to achieve a thicker cookie.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
This chocolate chip cookie recipe has been a hit since 2013, with over 11 million page views. It’s the most popular cookie recipe on the site. Readers love it, giving it an average of 5 out of 5 stars. The author says it’s a favorite among many, based on hundreds of comments.
The recipe uses melted butter for chewier cookies. The mix of brown sugar and white sugar makes them soft and moist. Cornstarch and an extra egg yolk add to their chewiness.
Chilling the dough for 2-3 hours, or up to 3-4 days, makes the cookies thicker. Shaping them into tall balls helps too. Baking at 325°F (163°C) for 12-13 minutes gives them a nice brown edge.
Mixing and Preparation Techniques
Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies from scratch needs precision and care. The right mixing and preparation are key. Let’s explore the essential steps for soft, chewy, and delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Proper Flour Measurement
Getting the flour right is crucial for chocolate chip cookies. Use a dry ingredient measuring cup and level it with a knife. Too much flour makes cookies dense and dry. Too little makes them flat and spread out.
Butter and Sugar Creaming Process
The creaming of butter and sugar is a vital step. Your butter should be soft but not melted. Cream it with the sugars until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies that are soft and chewy.
Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients
After creaming the butter and sugars, add the wet ingredients like eggs and vanilla. Beat each wet ingredient in one at a time, making sure it’s fully mixed before adding the next. Then, slowly mix in the dry ingredients, like flour, baking soda, and salt. The dough should look soft and slightly greasy. Fold in the chocolate chips gently at the end, avoiding overmixing.
Mastering these baking techniques for chocolate chip cookies from scratch will help you make the best soft, chewy, and delicious cookies. Your family and friends will love them.
Chilling and Shaping the Cookie Dough
Chilling the chocolate chip cookie dough is key for a soft, chewy texture. It makes the dough firm up, leading to thicker cookies. Chill it for at least 2-3 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Once chilled, let the dough soften at room temperature for 10 minutes. This makes it easier to shape. Instead of round balls, shape it into taller, irregular columns. This gives the cookies a bakery-style look.
Use a cookie scoop for extra-large cookies, or 2 heaping tablespoons for medium to large ones. Place the dough portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to spread.
The cookie dough chilling step is vital for the right texture and thickness. Take your time chilling the dough. You’ll get soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
To make the ultimate chocolate chip cookies, you need to focus on details. This includes the oven temperature and baking time. Here are the key tips to get soft, chewy, and delicious cookies every time.
Optimal Oven Temperature
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is key for perfect cookies. It makes the edges crisp and the centers soft and gooey. Always use an oven thermometer to check the temperature, as small errors can affect your cookies.
How to Tell When Cookies Are Done
- Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden brown.
- The centers may still look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, and that’s exactly what you want. The cookies will keep setting and becoming firmer as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Avoid baking for more than 9 minutes, as that can lead to over-baked, dry cookies.
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Your family and friends will love them. Remember, the secret is to watch the oven temperature and baking time closely. The effort will be worth it!
Storage and Freezing Methods
Homemade cookies are a delightful treat, but proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious. Once baked, place your chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container.They can be kept at room temperature for as long as 3 days. To help keep the cookies soft, you can add a small piece of apple, bread, or tortilla to the container.
To keep your homemade cookies fresh for an extended period, try freezing them. Baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Next, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen cookies in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh them.
For even greater convenience, you can also freeze the cookie dough.
Shape the dough into small balls and place them evenly on a baking sheet. After freezing, place the dough balls into an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. When you’re in the mood for fresh-baked cookies, just bake the frozen dough, extending the baking time by a minute or two. Frozen cookie dough can be stored for up to three months.
Master the art of storing and freezing your homemade cookies and cookie dough. This allows you to savor the delicious flavors of your baked goods for weeks. You can even enjoy them for months to come. Enjoy the convenience of having freshly-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Cookies (Room Temperature) | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container; add a piece of apple, bread, or tortilla to keep cookies soft |
| Baked Cookies (Frozen) | Up to 3 months | Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; reheat frozen cookies in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes |
| Cookie Dough (Frozen) | Up to 3 months | Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; bake frozen dough, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time |
Freezing baked cookies can preserve their freshness for up to 3 months. When properly wrapped, chocolate chip cookies can maintain their flavor and texture when frozen.
Conclusion
This ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe is a hit for both taste and texture. It combines soft, chewy, and slightly crispy qualities. By using melted butter, extra brown sugar, cornstarch, and chilling the dough, you get cookies that are tasty and look great.
Whether you’re new to baking or have lots of experience, this recipe is easy to follow. It guarantees perfect homemade chocolate chip cookies every time. The right ingredients and clear steps mean you’ll enjoy the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had.
With this guide, you’ll learn to make soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies that wow everyone. Enjoy the journey, have fun, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade chocolate chip cookie experience.
FAQ
What makes these chocolate chip cookies so soft and chewy?
These cookies are soft and chewy thanks to melted butter and more brown sugar than white sugar. Cornstarch and an extra egg yolk also play a role. Together, they create the perfect texture.
How does this recipe differ from other chocolate chip cookie recipes?
This recipe uses melted butter, more brown sugar, and cornstarch. It also involves chilling the dough. These steps give the cookies a unique taste and texture.
What are the essential ingredients in this recipe?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Sea salt, unsalted butter, and sugars are also key. Vanilla extract, eggs, and chocolate chips round out the list.
How does the use of melted butter affect the cookies?
Melted butter makes the cookies chewier but can make them greasy. Adding extra flour balances this, creating the ideal soft and chewy texture.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling the dough for 2-3 hours or up to 3-4 days is crucial. It allows the ingredients to settle, making the cookies thicker and chewier with deeper flavors.
What is the most effective method for shaping cookie dough?
Chill the dough, then shape it into tall, lumpy columns. This imparts a thick, bakery-style texture to the cookies.
How can you tell when the cookies are fully baked?
The cookies might not look fully cooked when taken out of the oven. But they will firm up as they cool. This is how you get the perfect soft and chewy texture.
How should the baked cookies be stored?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness. To keep them soft, add an apple wedge or bread. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months and baked straight from the freezer.
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