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); 0.75 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark); 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk (at room temperature); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1.25 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Introduction to Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

What Makes Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies a Favorite?

Chewy chocolate chip cookies hold a special place in many hearts—and for good reason! Imagine pulling a warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven, the chocolate chips glistening in the light, just waiting to be devoured. They embody a nostalgic comfort for many, evoking memories of baking with family or enjoying a late-night snack.

The secret to their unparalleled charm lies in their texture. With a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are simply irresistible. The recipe calls for melted butter and a touch of cornstarch, which not only enhances moisture but also creates that delightful chewiness we all love. This unique technique sets them apart from their crisper counterparts.

If you're looking to take your baking to the next level, it's essential to allow the dough to chill before baking. This not only enhances flavor but also helps in achieving that beautifully thick cookie shape.

If you want to explore more about the art of baking, check out resources from experts like Serious Eats or King Arthur Baking. Together, let's embark on a delicious journey to create these chewy chocolate chip cookies that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of chewy chocolate chip cookies starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delectable recipe:

All-purpose flour (2 and ¼ cups/281g): This is the base of your cookie, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): This helps your cookies rise and maintain a delightful chewiness.
Cornstarch (1 and ½ teaspoons): A secret ingredient for that extra softness! It prevents the cookies from being too dense.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup or 170g): Melted and cooled, butter adds richness and helps to achieve that chewy texture.
Light or dark brown sugar (¾ cup/150g): The molasses in brown sugar contributes to moisture and chewiness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup/100g): Balances the flavors and adds to the cookie's structure.
Eggs (1 large + 1 yolk): Adding an extra yolk not only enriches the dough but also provides additional moisture.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A must for that warm, inviting flavor profile.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 and ¼ cups/225g): The star ingredient that brings everything together; you can also opt for chocolate chunks for a more rustic feel.

Tailor these ingredients to your preference, perhaps experimenting with different types of chocolate or even adding in nuts for a crunch! Want to explore more? Check out Sally's Baking Addiction for some must-try variations.

Preparing Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food? Chewy chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, and the process of making them can be just as enjoyable as savoring the final product. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to cookie heaven!

Gather Your Ingredients

The first step in preparing your chewy chocolate chip cookies is to collect all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Salt
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs (including an extra yolk!)
Pure vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Gathering these ingredients in advance ensures a smooth baking experience. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to check the pantry for essentials you might be running low on.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Properly measuring your flour is key, so be sure to spoon and level it for accuracy. This foundational blend sets the stage for achieving that perfect chewy texture we all love.

Mix Wet Ingredients Until Smooth

In a separate bowl, mix your melted butter with both sugars until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Incorporate the egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract—this will seem thin but don't worry; it will thicken once combined with the dry ingredients.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will start to come together beautifully. Remember to fold in those chocolate chips! They may not stick perfectly due to the melted butter, but the more you mix, the better.

Chill the Dough for Optimal Texture

One of the secrets to perfect chewy chocolate chip cookies is chilling the dough. Wrap it tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours—or even overnight if you're feeling patient. Chilling helps prevent spreading and enhances that chewy texture.

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Shape the Cookies to Enhance Chewiness

Using a cookie scoop, portion out your chilled dough. For XL cookies, aim for about 3 scant tablespoons. Shape each dough ball into a taller, cylinder-like form instead of a flat disc—this little trick makes for thicker and chewier cookies once baked.

Bake to Perfection and Cool

Finally, bake those beauties for 13-14 minutes. The edges should look slightly browned, while the centers may feel soft. Don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoying these warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies will make the entire process worth it! Happy baking!

Variations of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutty delights: Adding walnuts

Looking to add a delightful crunch to your chewy chocolate chip cookies? Consider folding in walnuts! These nuts bring a rich, earthy flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Plus, adding a handful of walnuts boosts the nutritional profile, providing healthy fats and protein. If you're a fan of texture, you'll love the contrast between the smooth chocolate and these crunchy additions.

Healthier options: Substituting sugars

For those watching their sugar intake, why not experiment with healthier alternatives? Try using coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar. These substitutes not only lower the glycemic index but also add a unique flavor, keeping your chewy chocolate chip cookies deliciously sweet without the guilt. For all the tips on sugar substitutions, check out Healthline’s guide to sugar alternatives.

With these variations, every batch of cookies can be a little different, catering to your cravings and dietary needs!

Baking Tips and Notes for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you’re crafting your chewy chocolate chip cookies, a few expert tips can elevate your baking game:

Chill Your Dough

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This crucial step minimizes spreading, ensuring a thicker, chewier cookie.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Let your eggs sit out for a bit before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend better and promote a uniform texture.

Experiment with Mix-Ins

Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate can personalize your cookies. Just keep the total mix-ins around 1 to 1 and ¼ cups.

Store Properly

For maximum freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay chewy for about a week!

Dive deeper into cookie techniques with resources like King Arthur Baking for even more insights!

Serving suggestions for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving chewy chocolate chip cookies, the options are endless! Here are a few delightful ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Pair with Milk: There's nothing quite like the classic combination of cookies and milk. For a fun twist, try using flavored milk, like vanilla or chocolate.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create a mouthwatering dessert by sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. The warm, chewy texture contrasts wonderfully with cold ice cream.
Dessert Platter: Serve a variety of desserts, including your chewy cookies, brownies, and fruit. This colorful spread will impress guests at any gathering.
Gift Them: Homemade cookies make fantastic gifts! Package them creatively with a note for a thoughtful, personal touch.

Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings — the possibilities are endless! For more ideas, check out this article from Food Network on enhancing your cookie servings. Enjoy!

Tips for Mastering Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the ultimate chewy chocolate chip cookies is easy with a few helpful tips in your baking arsenal!

Chill Your Dough

Chilling the cookie dough for at least two hours (or even overnight) is essential for achieving that signature chewiness. This step helps prevent overspreading during baking, allowing you to enjoy thicker cookies.

Don’t Skip the Egg Yolk

Using an extra egg yolk adds moisture and richness to your cookies, enhancing their soft texture. It’s a small but mighty tweak that makes a big difference!

Shape Matters

When you scoop out the dough, form it into taller balls rather than wide ones. This simple technique helps the cookies rise beautifully in the oven.

For more tips, check out my guide on how to freeze cookie dough. Happy baking!

Time Breakdown for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you're eager to whip up some delicious chewy chocolate chip cookies, it's essential to have a clear idea of the time involved. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Preparation Time

Get your mixing bowls ready–you'll need about 15 minutes to gather ingredients and mix the dough.

Baking Time

Once your cookies are shaped and your oven is preheated, they will take about 13 minutes to bake to gooey perfection.

Total Time

Though the actual hands-on time is just under half an hour, don’t forget to factor in 2 hours for chilling the dough. This step is crucial for that ideal chewy texture!

For more insights about the importance of chilling cookie dough, check out this helpful guide on Sally's Baking Addiction. Happy baking!

Nutritional facts for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calories

Each delightful chewy chocolate chip cookie packs approximately 200 calories. They offer just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard. Perfect for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up!

Sugar

With 10 grams of sugar per cookie, these treats are sweet but balanced. You'll savor the flavor without feeling overwhelmed by sweetness. It's all about enjoying moments, right?

Fats

These cookies contain about 10 grams of fat, primarily from the buttery goodness. Using unsalted butter keeps the flavor rich while giving you that chewy texture we all adore.

Feel free to check out more about cookie nutrition here. Enjoy baking!

FAQs about Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

What can I do if my cookies are too hard?

If your chewy chocolate chip cookies turned out a bit too hard, don’t worry; there’s a fix! Start by trying to add a slice of bread to your cookie container. The moisture from the bread helps soften the cookies over time. You can also slightly under-bake them next time—keep an eye on the edges! They should look soft in the middle; they'll firm up as they cool.

How do I store my chewy chocolate chip cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze cookie dough for later use?

Absolutely! Freezing your cookie dough is a great way to have freshly baked chewy chocolate chip cookies on hand. Portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to three months! Just bake them straight from the freezer for a minute longer than usual.

For more tips on freezing cookie dough, check out Sally's Baking Addiction.

Conclusion on Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

In conclusion, these chewy chocolate chip cookies are not just cookies; they're a delightful experience. Their soft, gooey texture, paired with rich chocolate, can brighten any day. So whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe promises irresistible results. Treat yourself and enjoy!