These Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of classic cookies—soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips. With a simple preparation process and an irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite treat for all occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled at least 10 minutes (226g)
- 1 ¼ cup tightly packed brown sugar (250g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (350g)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups semisweet chocolate chips, plus additional for tops if desired (300g)
Directions
Step 1: Combine Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and both sugars. Stir very well until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring well after each addition until all the flour is absorbed.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop Dough
- Scoop the dough by rounded 1 ½ tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake for 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheets.
Step 10: Optional Topping
- Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a few additional chocolate chips into the tops of the warm cookies.
Step 11: Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.
Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 45 cookies
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to solidify the fat in the cookies, which results in thicker and more flavorful cookies.
- Do Not Overbake: The key to keeping the cookies soft and chewy is to avoid overbaking. The centers should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
- Measuring Flour: Ensure you measure the flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method or weigh your flour for the best results.
Variations
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Different Chips: Use a mix of semisweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a variety of chocolate flavors.
- Oats: For a different texture, replace ½ cup of the flour with ½ cup of rolled oats.
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How do I store baked cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as needed.
Conclusion
These Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With their soft and chewy texture, they are a hit for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delightful cookies with friends and family!