Crispy and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Introduction
Crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies are classic treats that everyone loves. They offer a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a chewy center, making them the perfect snack or dessert. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, these cookies are simple to bake and hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love It
There are so many reasons to make crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies. They are made with simple ingredients and require minimal preparation. The familiar taste of chocolate chips melting in your mouth, paired with the light crunch of the cookie edges, is pure bliss. Plus, they are versatile; enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with a scoop of ice cream, or crumbled over yogurt. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, these cookies will not disappoint!
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (375g)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 sticks Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature (1 cup or 16 tablespoons)
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed (200g)
- 1 cup Granulated (White) Sugar (200g)
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt (optional)
Substitutions & Key Variations
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just skip the additional salt.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Feel free to mix in different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to customize your cookies.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. It should look like fluffy frosting.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl, then mix on low speed until fully combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture all at once and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no dry spots of flour left in the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Add the semisweet chocolate chips to the batter and mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Transfer the mixing bowl to the refrigerator and chill the dough for 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving those soft cookie centers.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Step 8: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly grease a sheet pan or line it with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper.
Step 9: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out even portions of cold cookie dough. Make sure they are heaping tablespoons, roughly the size of a golf ball, for perfect spreading.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the cookie dough on the prepared sheet pan, leaving space for them to spread out. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still pale and soft, about 9 to 12 minutes.
Step 11: Tap the Cookies
After removing the cookies from the oven, tap the sheet pan firmly on the counter several times to give them a crinkled edge and a denser center.
Step 12: Add Sea Salt and Cool
Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with flaked sea salt if desired. Allow them to cool on the sheet pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Success Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature; it makes a difference in texture.
- Do not overmix your dough once you add the flour; this helps keep the cookies tender.
- Tapping the pan after baking creates that signature crinkled look.
How to Serve
Crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. To restore their freshness, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: Flat cookies can be caused by overly warm dough or not enough flour. Ensure your butter isn’t too soft, and measure your flour correctly.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft and pale. They will firm up as they cool.
Nutrition Notes
Each cookie contains a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, providing a fun treat to enjoy in moderation.
Conclusion
Crispy and chewy chocolate chip cookies are an easy and rewarding baking project. They’re perfect for sharing, or just treating yourself after a long day. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe; your taste buds will thank you!
Links to Related Recipes
- Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies