Few things in the culinary world are as universally adored as chocolate chip cookies. From their warm, gooey centers to the way they fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, these treats hold a special place in our hearts—and taste buds. Today, we’re diving deep into the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies, created by Jenna Barnard, to help you recreate the ultimate cookie experience in your own home. These cookies require no chilling, are mixed by hand, and can go from ingredients to irresistible treats in just 30 minutes.
PrintBEST Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Gooey Treats
Few things in the culinary world are as universally adored as chocolate chip cookies. From their warm, gooey centers to the way they fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, these treats hold a special place in our hearts—and taste buds. Today, we’re diving deep into the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies, created by Jenna Barnard, to help you recreate the ultimate cookie experience in your own home. These cookies require no chilling, are mixed by hand, and can go from ingredients to irresistible treats in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 large or 12 regular cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1. All-Purpose Flour (1 1/3 cups, 170g): This is the backbone of the cookie, providing structure. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much, which could make the cookies dense.
2. Baking Soda and Baking Powder (1/2 tsp each): These leavening agents help the cookies rise slightly, creating that satisfying chewy texture.
3. Kosher Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
4. Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 112g): Melted and cooled butter adds a rich, buttery flavor while keeping the cookies soft.
5. Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, 100g) and Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup, 70g): The combination of these sugars gives the cookies their perfect chewiness and sweetness.
6. Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): A must-have for deep, aromatic flavor.
7. Large Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
8. Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups, 250g): High-quality chocolate chips elevate the taste. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Guittard, or Ghirardelli are recommended.
9. Flaky Sea Salt: Optional but highly recommended for that final flavor pop.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in cookies that bake up uniformly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the brown and granulated sugars. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency. This step is key to achieving the desired texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture until smooth. These ingredients help bind the dough and add flavor depth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Stop mixing just before the flour is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Pour in the chocolate chips and continue folding until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop (or a 1/4 measuring cup), scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between the cookies to allow for spreading. For regular-sized cookies, use a smaller scoop and bake more at a time.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Look for a golden ring around the edges and a pale, puffed center. If the cookies spread too much, use a fork to nudge the edges back into shape immediately after removing them from the oven.
Step 9: Finish with Flair
While the cookies are still warm, top them with extra chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies visually appealing.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes. They’re best enjoyed slightly warm, with the chocolate still melty.
Notes
- Measuring Flour: Use a food scale if possible, or spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Packed flour can lead to dense cookies.
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the melted butter is not hot, as this can affect the consistency of the dough.
- Mixing Technique: Fold the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking. They should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate’s richness and adds a gourmet touch.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover what makes these cookies the best. We’ll break down the process, explore tips for ingredient substitutions, and discuss how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy evening at home, or just because, this recipe is sure to impress.
The Magic Behind These Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are celebrated for their perfect balance of textures and flavors: crisp and chewy on the outside, with a soft and gooey interior that melts in your mouth. The secret lies in a few key techniques and high-quality ingredients. Melted butter adds richness, while a mix of brown and granulated sugar creates depth and sweetness. The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate’s natural flavors, giving these cookies an extra layer of sophistication.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies stand out. Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial, as even small deviations can affect the outcome.
1. All-Purpose Flour (1 1/3 cups, 170g): This is the backbone of the cookie, providing structure. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much, which could make the cookies dense.
2. Baking Soda and Baking Powder (1/2 tsp each): These leavening agents help the cookies rise slightly, creating that satisfying chewy texture.
3. Kosher Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
4. Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 112g): Melted and cooled butter adds a rich, buttery flavor while keeping the cookies soft.
5. Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, 100g) and Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup, 70g): The combination of these sugars gives the cookies their perfect chewiness and sweetness.
6. Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): A must-have for deep, aromatic flavor.
7. Large Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
8. Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups, 250g): High-quality chocolate chips elevate the taste. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Guittard, or Ghirardelli are recommended.
9. Flaky Sea Salt: Optional but highly recommended for that final flavor pop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in cookies that bake up uniformly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted and cooled butter with the brown and granulated sugars. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency. This step is key to achieving the desired texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture until smooth. These ingredients help bind the dough and add flavor depth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Stop mixing just before the flour is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Pour in the chocolate chips and continue folding until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop (or a 1/4 measuring cup), scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between the cookies to allow for spreading. For regular-sized cookies, use a smaller scoop and bake more at a time.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Look for a golden ring around the edges and a pale, puffed center. If the cookies spread too much, use a fork to nudge the edges back into shape immediately after removing them from the oven.
Step 9: Finish with Flair
While the cookies are still warm, top them with extra chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies visually appealing.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes. They’re best enjoyed slightly warm, with the chocolate still melty.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Measuring Flour: Use a food scale if possible, or spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Packed flour can lead to dense cookies.
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the melted butter is not hot, as this can affect the consistency of the dough.
- Mixing Technique: Fold the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking. They should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate’s richness and adds a gourmet touch.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Variety: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate, or use a mix for a more complex flavor.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, toffee bits, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Brown Butter: For a nutty, caramelized flavor, brown the butter before mixing it with the sugars.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate treat. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins or bags.
Conclusion
These BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined with thoughtful techniques. Their irresistible flavor, perfect texture, and easy preparation make them a must-try for any cookie lover. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a midweek treat, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted!
