If you are on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances gooey centers with golden, crisp edges, look no further than The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. This is not just any cookie recipe; it combines the richness of browned butter with a blend of sugars and just the right amount of salt to create a flavor explosion in every bite. Expectations for a classic treat are elevated here, making every batch feel like a little celebration of sweetness and comfort. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation for baking these irresistible cookies. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the ideal texture to imbuing that classic chocolate chip flavor.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled: Browning the butter adds a nutty, deep flavor that takes these cookies to another level.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and chewiness with its molasses content.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds slight crispness to the cookie edges.
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature: The egg yolk adds richness while the egg helps bind everything perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the buttery flavors.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, making sure the cookies hold their shape without becoming cakey.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a lovely rise and slight tenderness.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: The star ingredient that pools deliciously in each bite.
How to Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye as it foams and slowly turns a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step is critical—it adds depth you simply can’t skip. Once browned, let it cool completely before moving on to ensure the perfect dough consistency.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars
Combine the cooled browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Mixing these together creates a luscious base that contributes to the chewiness and slight crisp of the cookie edges, setting the perfect sweet foundation.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. This mixture brings extra richness, moisture, and a fragrant aroma that hints at the cozy cookies to come.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Ensuring these are well combined helps the dough mix evenly and allows the rising agent to do its magic without clumping spots.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures; Fold in Chocolate
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see no more flour pockets. Finally, gently fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, promising gooey pockets of melty goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is a game changer, helping the flavors meld and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in the ideal texture.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking. Don’t skip lining the sheets—it makes cleanup effortless and keeps your cookies intact.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing them well on the prepared sheets. This spacing allows heat to circulate so each cookie bakes to perfection with golden edges.
Step 9: Bake Until Edges Are Golden
Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes. You want the edges crisp and golden while the centers maintain a gooey texture. This delicate balance is what makes The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly shine.
Step 10: Cool Before Removing
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This brief resting time lets them set up so you can transfer to a wire rack without breaking their perfect shape.
How to Serve The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can elevate the sweetness and create delightful contrast. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or add a dollop of peanut butter on warm cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, but don’t stop there — try them alongside vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The combination adds a comforting warmth and richness that complements their sweet, buttery character.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate chip ice cream for a decadent treat. Alternatively, crumble these cookies over yogurt or pudding for added texture and flavor contrast that delights the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture, keeping those edges tender and centers soft.
Freezing
If you want to make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe ahead of time, the dough freezes beautifully. Scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen with just a couple extra minutes added to your baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate experience every time.
FAQs
Why do you brown the butter?
Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that regular melted butter can’t provide, resulting in richer, more complex cookies.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips work wonderfully, but chopping your chocolate creates varied melt spots, giving each bite a unique texture and gooeyness.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling solidifies the fats which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.
Can I substitute all the flour with whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will change the texture and flavor, making the cookies denser and less tender. Try substituting half at first for best results.
What’s the best way to get soft cookies with crispy edges?
Using a combination of brown and granulated sugars, along with browned butter and chilling the dough, gives you that perfect contrast of textures.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like making The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe from scratch and savoring them fresh out of the oven. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, this recipe promises cookies that are warm, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness that everyone will adore. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start baking something extraordinary today!
Print
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These are the best chocolate chip cookies featuring a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter, a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, and generous chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. Ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Then, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Mix sugars and butter: In a large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. Then fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Chill the dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and arrange dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow room to spread.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft and gooey.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to the cookies that enhances their richness.
- Chilling the dough is essential for chewy and thick cookies; do not skip this step.
- For crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips if chopping chocolate is inconvenient.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
