Name: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 2.25 cups all-purpose flour ((spooned & leveled)); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cups unsalted butter ((melted & cooled for 5 minutes)); 0.75 cups packed brown sugar ((light or dark)); 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg ((at room temperature)); 1 large egg yolk ((at room temperature)); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1.25 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)

Introduction to Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to cookies, chewy chocolate chip cookies reign supreme in the hearts of many. But what makes these delightful treats so irresistible? The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cornstarch creates a unique texture that perfectly balances chewiness with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. This contrasts with crisp cookies that can sometimes feel dry and lack that satisfying bite.

Chewy chocolate chip cookies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven, with melted chocolate oozing from the center, or let them cool for a few hours for a thicker, satisfying bite. This recipe, a favorite among many bakers, plays on classic flavors while ensuring that each cookie is packed with rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips.

If you're intrigued by how to achieve the ultimate chewy texture, you're in the right place! In fact, many home bakers find that chilling the dough not only improves the flavor but enhances the chewiness as well, as it allows the flour to fully hydrate. Ready to dive into this delicious world of cookies? Let’s get baking!

For more baking tips, you might want to check out King Arthur Baking for additional insights and techniques.

Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookies starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that delightful texture and flavor we all love.

All-purpose flour: 2 and ¼ cups provide the structure needed for these cookies; make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise, resulting in a light, airy texture.
Cornstarch: Adding 1 and ½ teaspoons helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, giving them that bakery-style feel.
Salt: Just ½ teaspoon, but it enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Use ¾ cup of melted and cooled butter for richness, crucial for that indulgent mouthfeel.
Sugars: Combine ¾ cup of packed brown sugar with ½ cup of granulated sugar for a perfect balance of moisture and sweetness.
Eggs: 1 large egg plus an extra yolk create that soft, chewy interior.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Chocolate chips: 1 and ¼ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks make every bite luscious!

By combining these ingredients with a little love and patience, you’ll be well on your way to divine chewy chocolate chip cookies that impress everyone around! If you're looking for more tips on measuring or ingredient substitutions, check out this comprehensive guide from Sally’s Baking Addiction. Happy baking!

Step-by-Step Preparation for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making chewy chocolate chip cookies from scratch is a delightful experience. With just a few simple steps, you can create cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate goodness. Let’s dive into how to prepare these irresistible treats!

Gather your ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients ready:

2 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and ½ teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 and ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

You might want to check out this measurement guide to ensure accuracy!

Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and ensures a consistent texture in your chewy chocolate chip cookies. Once mixed, set the dry ingredients aside.

Combine the wet ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps remain. Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This mixture will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be shiny and may be sticky, so don’t be alarmed!

Form the cookie dough

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. At this point, you may notice that the chips don’t stick perfectly to the dough; this is normal due to the melted butter. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure they're evenly distributed.

Chill the dough for optimal texture

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better. This chilling time improves the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much when baking.

Shape and bake your cookies

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. When the dough is ready, scoop out about 3 tablespoons for XL cookies (or about 2 heaping tablespoons for medium-sized). Roll them into balls, shaping them taller rather than wider. This helps achieve that desired thickness!

Place the dough balls about 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 13–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Cooling and finishing touches

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and develop that perfect chewy texture. For an extra touch, consider pressing a few more chocolate chips into the tops while they are still warm!

And just like that, you have homemade chewy chocolate chip cookies ready to be savored or shared! Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage — it’s the perfect pairing!

Variations of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch

If you're craving a bit of texture with your chewy chocolate chip cookies, consider tossing in some chopped nuts. Walnuts and pecans are top choices that beautifully complement the rich chocolate flavor. Not only do they add a delightful crunch, but nuts also bring healthy fats and protein to the table. A handful of nuts can elevate your cookie game and offer a unique twist every time you bake!

Experimenting with Different Chocolate Types

Why stick to just semi-sweet chocolate chips? Get creative! Try dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste, or mix in white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. You can even use milk chocolate for a lighter touch. Blending various chocolate types can create a symphony of flavors in your chewy chocolate chip cookies. Don't be afraid to experiment—you might discover your new favorite version!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your chewy chocolate chip cookies are a hit, keep these tips in mind:

Butter Matters: Use unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled. This creates a rich flavor and optimal moisture content.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—this step is crucial for that chewy texture. Overnight chilling yields the best results, as it prevents spreading while baking.
Dough Shape: When scooping, shape the dough into taller, cylindrical balls. This helps the cookies stay thick and chewy.
Baking Time: For perfectly baked cookies, keep an eye on the edges; they should be just lightly browned while the centers remain soft.

If you’re interested in more baking science, check out resources like America's Test Kitchen for expert tips!

Serving Suggestions for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that your chewy chocolate chip cookies are baked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

With a Glass of Milk: Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy almond milk alternative for a nostalgic treat.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert by placing a warm cookie atop a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a cookie sandwich experience.
Quick Breakfast Fix: Crumble a cookie over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a flavorful breakfast packed with protein and sweetness.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings, like a drizzle of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt, to elevate your chewy chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation time
You’ll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix up the dough for these delicious chewy chocolate chip cookies. Keep in mind that part of this time is waiting for the melted butter to cool—it's essential for the right texture!

Baking time
Once your dough is chilled and ready, the baking time takes around 13 minutes. This is just enough time for your cookies to rise and develop that perfectly soft, chewy texture we all crave.

Total time
In total, from start to finish, you're looking at about 2 hours and 45 minutes. This includes chilling the dough, which is a crucial step to enhance the flavor and texture. Trust me, good things come to those who wait!

If you’re ready to make these cookies, check out the full recipe here. Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When indulging in these chewy chocolate chip cookies, knowing their nutritional profile can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s what you should know:

Calories

Each cookie contains approximately 200 calories, making them a delicious treat that's easy to fit into your daily intake.

Sugar Content

With about 12 grams of sugar per cookie, these desserts satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.

Fats

Each cookie has around 10 grams of fat, mainly from the butter, giving you that rich, chewy texture you love.

For more detailed nutrition insights, you may want to explore resources like the USDA FoodData Central for precise measurements and ingredient breakdowns. Keep in mind, moderation is key—a couple of these cookies can fit nicely into a balanced diet!

FAQs about Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

How do I keep my cookies chewy?

To ensure your chewy chocolate chip cookies stay soft and delectable, one of the best tricks is to use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. Brown sugar contains more moisture, which helps maintain that perfect chewy texture. Additionally, make sure to chill your dough for at least two hours before baking. This prevents overspreading and results in thicker cookies. Storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will also help them retain their softness.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to ensure you always have some deliciousness on hand. After preparing the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time.

What’s the secret to perfect cookies?

The secret to baking perfect chewy chocolate chip cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and techniques. The use of cornstarch adds to the softness, while the combination of melted butter and room-temperature eggs helps achieve that unbeatable chewiness. Don’t forget to slightly underbake them; they'll continue to set as they cool, so trust the process!

Conclusion on Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

In summary, chewy chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that brings comfort and smiles to any occasion. With their rich flavor and perfect texture, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Remember, patience is key during the chilling process for optimal results. Enjoy baking!