BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is your new go-to recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies! You can whip these up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings. These cookies have a delightful contrast: soft and gooey on the inside while remaining crisp and chewy on the outside. With a rich chocolate flavor and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, they are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: No chilling required—mix and bake in just 30 minutes!
• Easy Mixing Method: All you need is a bowl and a whisk; no fancy equipment necessary.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft center paired with a slightly crunchy edge.
• Versatile: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or as an afternoon treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently to avoid overmixing.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes, promoting even baking.

Ingredients

This is your new go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe! It’s no chill, mixed by hand, and they’re ready in 30 minutes. They turn out soft and gooey on the inside and crisp and chewy on the outside.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/3 cups (170g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 3/4 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 cups (250g) semisweet chocolate chips (I like Trader Joe’s, Guittard, or Ghirardelli) + more for topping
– Flaky sea salt

How to Make BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl:
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
Combine the melted and cooled unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
Use a rubber spatula to fold until just combined. Leave a few streaks of flour visible.
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without overmixing.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a large cookie scoop (or measuring cup):
Scoop out about 5 cookies onto your prepared baking sheet for larger cookies. Bake for 12–15 minutes depending on your preferred doneness (12 minutes for gooey cookies).

Step 6: Check Doneness

The cookies are done when they have golden edges but appear pale and puffed in the center:
If needed, nudge in any overly spread edges with a fork immediately after pulling them from the oven.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven:
Top with extra chocolate chips while still warm, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying

Transfer cookies to a cooling rack:
Allow them to cool for about 20 minutes before indulging. They taste best when slightly warm with melty chocolate chips!

Enjoy your freshly baked BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about enhancing the experience. These cookies are versatile, and you can pair them with various accompaniments for a delightful treat.

With Milk

• A classic pairing that never gets old. Enjoy your warm cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between. This combination is perfect for hot days or any time you want a special dessert.

Coffee or Tea

• Pairing cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea elevates the flavors. The warmth of the drink complements the gooey texture of the cookies beautifully.

Fruit Compote

• Serve your cookies with a side of fruit compote for a fresh twist. The sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the chocolate.

Nut Butters

• Spread a layer of peanut butter or almond butter on top of your cookie for an added nutty flavor and creaminess.

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How to Perfect BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet ones, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

• Chill Cookie Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavor and prevent excessive spreading.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies can make for a more rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the chocolate flavor while adding creaminess.

2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of cookies, making it a healthy side option.

3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your cookies for an extra chocolaty treat.

4. Caramel Sauce: Add a touch of caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

5. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can complement the rich texture of the cookies beautifully.

6. Nuts: A small bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies, making it an enjoyable snack combo.

7. Cheese Platter: For something different, serve with mild cheeses that provide a creamy balance to the sweetness.

8. Coffee Cake: Enjoying these cookies alongside coffee cake creates a lovely brunch option that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies can be tricky. Here are common mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can lead to tough cookies. Fold until just combined to keep them soft.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour will make cookies dry.
• Using Hot Butter: Melted butter should be cooled slightly before mixing, or cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Watch your cookies closely; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove them promptly for a gooey texture.
• Skipping Sea Salt on Top: Adding flaky sea salt right after baking enhances flavor and creates a delightful contrast with sweet chocolate.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Freeze cookie dough scoops separately; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on high for about 10-15 seconds for a quick fix.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s some helpful information regarding the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies that many bakers often wonder about.

How do I make my chocolate chip cookies chewy?

To achieve chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. Also, avoid overbaking them!

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips give a rich flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookie dough.

What if my cookies are too flat?

Ensure your butter is not too warm and measure flour correctly. If needed, chill the dough slightly before baking.

How can I customize my BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, oats, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

These BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!