The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies! With chewy centers and crisp edges, they are filled with pockets of melty dark chocolate and finished off with a sprinkle of flaky salt. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy and Crisp: Enjoy the perfect texture balance with chewy centers and crispy edges.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Flavor: Use different types of chocolate or mix-ins to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with family or friends, making any gathering special.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can satisfy your cookie cravings in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will ensure a smooth baking experience. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookie dough balls for consistent baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

These are best chocolate chip cookies! They have chewy centers, crisp edges, pockets of melty dark chocolate and are finished with sprinkle of flaky salt. They’re easy to make, needing ingredients you most likely already have at home.

For the Dough

• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (please see notes)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

For the Chocolate

• 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate bars, chopped (60% cacao)

For Garnishing

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

How to Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar into a large bowl. Cream them together using an electric mixer on high speed for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined; alternatively, fold in using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Mix in Dark Chocolate

Add in the chopped dark chocolate pieces. Again, mix on low speed just until incorporated or fold gently with a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop out portions of dough. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes, watching closely until you see the edges turning light golden brown.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Once out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently shape each cookie into perfect circles. While still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt over each cookie.

Step 10: Cool Down

After five minutes on the baking sheet, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for another ten minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your freshly baked cookies can enhance the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your cookies even more enjoyable.

Warm with Milk

• Pairing your warm chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk creates a classic treat that everyone loves.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delectable ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and enjoy a creamy, crunchy dessert!

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies for an extra indulgent touch that adds a beautiful presentation.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a platter alongside fresh fruit, nuts, or other desserts for a varied dessert spread at gatherings.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and create a cozy atmosphere.

Flaky Sea Salt Finish

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavors and adds an appealing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Perfect The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best results with this recipe, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature helps achieve proper mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality dark chocolate bars for better flavor and melty pockets in each cookie.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

• Store Properly: To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your chocolate chip cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here’s a list of fantastic options that complement the sweet flavors of these treats.

1. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to rich cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings a burst of natural sweetness that balances out the richness of chocolate chips.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a deliciously creamy side that contrasts beautifully with chewy cookies.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for an unexpected savory touch that pairs well with sweet treats.

5. Nut Assortment: Offer a variety of nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and health benefits alongside your cookies.

6. Whipped Cream Dip: Serve whipped cream as a dip for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances each bite of cookie delight.

7. Ice Cream Scoops: Provide small scoops of different ice cream flavors so guests can create their own cookie sundaes.

8. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a mini fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the best chocolate chip cookies is easier when you avoid common pitfalls.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix only until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Not measuring flour properly: Packing flour can lead to dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling cookie dough helps flavors develop and prevents spreading. Give your dough at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
• Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat levels.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months.
• Label bags with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ (175℃) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for 10-15 seconds, just until soft.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the best chocolate chip cookies.

How do I achieve chewy centers in The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies?

To achieve chewy centers, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar and ensure not to overbake them.

Can I substitute dark chocolate in The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate according to your taste preference.

What if my dough is too dry?

If your dough seems dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

How long do The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

Stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Final Thoughts

The best chocolate chip cookies offer a wonderful balance of chewy and crispy textures, making them irresistible. Their versatility allows you to customize with different types of chocolates or nuts based on what you love. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll enjoy every bite!