Introduction
Indulging in a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie is a delight that few can resist. This classic treat, with its rich flavors and gooey chocolate chunks, brings joy to both the maker and the eater. The following recipe from Love and Lemons is straightforward and yields deliciously chewy cookies that are sure to impress everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks), melted and cooled slightly
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 heaping cup dark chocolate chips
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 9 to 11 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including chilling)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk, whisking until well combined and no streaks of egg white remain. Whisk in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
Form Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a spatula until mostly combined. Once there are only a few streaks of dry flour left, fold in the chocolate chips until a soft cookie dough forms.
Chill Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. Note that chilling the dough for 30 minutes will yield flatter cookies, while chilling for 2 hours or more will result in thicker cookies.
Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Portion Dough
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the tops may still appear pale. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Dough Variations
Dough chilled for 30 minutes produces cookies that spread more, while dough chilled for 2 hours or longer results in thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
Storing Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Ensure that the flour, baking soda, and salt are thoroughly combined to prevent any uneven distribution in your cookie dough.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Whisk the melted butter with the sugars until smooth before adding the eggs and vanilla to achieve a well-emulsified mixture.
Forming Cookie Dough
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. This technique helps to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
Chilling Dough
Refrigerating the dough helps to enhance the flavors and can affect the cookie texture; a shorter chill yields flatter cookies, while a longer chill results in thicker ones.
Portioning Dough
Using a cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies, which bake uniformly. Leave adequate space between dough balls to allow for spreading during baking.
Baking Cookies
Baking one sheet at a time allows for consistent heat distribution. Keep an eye on the edges, as they should be golden brown while the center remains slightly pale.
Cooling Cookies
Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack helps them set properly and prevents breakage.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a mixture of different types of chocolate chips according to your preference.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer preservation.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is excessively sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Do I need to use sea salt?
While sea salt enhances the flavor, regular table salt can be used as a substitute if it’s what you have on hand.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Conclusion
Homemade chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of dark chocolate with a perfectly balanced dough. Whether you prefer them chewy or thick, this recipe provides a versatile foundation for baking delicious cookies that will surely please everyone. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—either way, they are sure to be a hit!
Variations with Nuts
Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolate-flavored base and add white chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate one cup of rolled oats into the dough for a chewy texture and extra heartiness.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mix in a half cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter twist.
Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a perfect sweet and salty contrast.
Cookie Sandwiches
Create cookie sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert treat.
Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Stuff the cookie dough with caramel, cream cheese, or Nutella before baking for a surprise filling in every bite.
