Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, thanks to melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, and an extra egg yolk. Chilling the dough before baking ensures thick, bakery-style cookies with gooey chocolate pockets.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls For combining ingredients gently.
- 1 Whisk For blending dry ingredients.
- 1 Spatula For folding in chocolate chips and handling dough.
- 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons Ensures accurate portions of ingredients.
- 1 Cookie scoop For uniform cookie sizes.
- 1 Baking Sheet Line with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- 1 Wire cooling rack For cooling cookies after baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (melted) Adds moisture and richness; control over salt level enhances flavor.
- 1¼ cups Dark brown sugar Contains molasses for moisture and caramel-like flavor.
- ½ cup Granulated sugar Provides structure and slight crispness on edges.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- 1 large Egg yolk Extra yolk adds richness and helps create a chewy texture.
- 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor without affecting texture.
- 1¾ cups All-purpose flour Provides structure; measure by weight for accuracy.
- ½ tsp Baking soda Reacts with brown sugar for rise and browning.
- ½ tsp Cornstarch Softens gluten for a tender crumb.
- ½ tsp Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chunks High-quality chocolate melts smoothly for melty pockets.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Recipe
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and slightly creamy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. This firms up the butter and improves texture.
Preheat and Shape Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into tall, lumpy balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.
Cool and Store:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Notes
-
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain softness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce baking soda slightly, increase flour, and shorten baking time due to faster baking at high altitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What ingredients ensure a chewy texture?
- Melted butter, more brown sugar than white sugar, cornstarch, and an extra egg yolk.
-
How long should cookies bake for a soft result?
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, removing when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked.
-
Which type of sugar is best for soft cookies?
- Brown sugar is ideal because it contains moisture, which keeps cookies soft and chewy.
-
How do you keep cookies chewy after cooling?
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread or damp paper towel to retain moisture.
-
How do you adjust the recipe for high altitude?
- Reduce baking soda, increase flour, and shorten baking time slightly.
-
Can you freeze the dough?
- Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw briefly before baking.
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Enhancement: Use high-quality chocolate bars chopped into chunks for melty pockets and richer flavor.
- Presentation: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of cookies before baking for a sweet-and-salty finish.
- Leftovers: Reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to restore softness and freshness.
Plating and Garnishing
- Garnish: Sprinkle coarse sea salt or powdered sugar on top for added visual appeal.
- Serving Style: Arrange cookies on a plate or platter with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Sides: Serve with coffee, tea, or a warm mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.