Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate treat to brighten any day, this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These cookies boast a perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges, thanks to the magic of browned butter and a touch of brown sugar. With semi-sweet chocolate chunks melting in every bite, you’re getting a classic dessert elevated with rich, nutty flavors and tender texture. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort you can literally taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the texture, flavor, and inviting color of these cookies. From the browned butter bringing depth to the sweetness of brown sugar, everything combines beautifully to make these cookies irresistible.

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled: Browning the butter adds a nutty richness that’s the secret to a more complex flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and deep caramel notes to keep the cookies chewy.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with that crisp edge.
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature: Eggs provide structure and the yolk adds extra tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone providing body to the dough.
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: The star ingredient that makes every bite delightfully melty and decadent.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases a lovely nutty aroma. This step is essential because it builds a deep flavor base for the cookies. Once browned, let it cool completely before mixing.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a spoon or mixer to blend until it becomes a smooth, rich mixture. This creates the sweet, tender crumb everyone loves in chocolate chip cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in one whole egg and one egg yolk along with the vanilla extract. The yolk adds extra moisture and richness, while vanilla helps bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures the leavening agents and seasoning are well-distributed for even baking.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be careful to stop once you see no dry flour patches.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold the chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks into the dough, making sure every cookie will have plenty of dreamy melted pockets of chocolate.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps control spreading during baking and intensifies the flavors.

Step 8: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms.

Step 9: Scoop and Bake

Scoop your dough into evenly sized balls and space them on the baking sheets. Bake for 11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers stay soft and gooey. This gives the ideal texture contrast.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest lets them set up just right so they don’t fall apart.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just as soon as they come out of the oven adds a perfect salty-sweet pop that enhances the chocolate’s richness. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for the classic combo, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. Hot coffee or a rich latte are also amazing companions for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies together with homemade whipped cream or peanut butter for a fun twist. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping that adds texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week — perfect if you want to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week without baking again.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that freshly baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This reheating makes the chocolate gooey again and softens the cookie.

FAQs

Can I substitute the browned butter with regular melted butter?

Yes, but browning the butter adds a ton of extra flavor with its nutty and toasty notes. Regular melted butter will work but the cookies won’t have quite the same depth.

Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling is highly recommended as it prevents excessive spreading and intensifies the dough’s flavor, resulting in chewier, tastier cookies.

What size should I make the cookie dough balls?

Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie creates a nice balance between thick, chewy centers and golden edges. Smaller or larger scoops will change baking time and texture.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are an easy substitute and hold their shape well. Using chopped chocolate usually gives more variation in melted chunks, but both work deliciously.

How do I keep my chocolate chip cookies soft for longer?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to absorb excess air — this method keeps cookies moist and soft for several days.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. The blend of browned butter, brown sugar, and melty chocolate creates a cookie experience that feels both nostalgic and special. Don’t hesitate to give yourself and your loved ones this comforting delight — it’s worth every bite and every moment of baking.

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