Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe, look no further than the Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe combines the rich flavors of dark brown sugar with the classic taste of semisweet chocolate chips, resulting in cookies that are perfectly chewy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the edges. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this beloved recipe that has captured the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere.
Why Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies is Worth Your Time
Cooks Illustrated is renowned for its meticulous testing and perfecting of recipes, and the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a deep, complex flavor that is hard to resist.
- Texture: Achieving the perfect balance between chewy and crispy is an art, and this recipe nails it.
- Reliable Results: With precise measurements and techniques, you can count on these cookies turning out perfectly every time.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
What Goes Into Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before we start baking, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients required for the Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1 cup (218.75g) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup (165g) dark brown sugar
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1.5 cups (225g) semisweet chocolate chips
Setup & Equipment
To ensure a smooth baking experience, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for mixing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: For combining the wet ingredients and sugar.
- Spatula: Useful for folding in the chocolate chips.
- Baking Sheet: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: Allow cookies to cool properly after baking.
Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies Cooking Guide
Ready to bake? Let’s follow these steps to create your perfect batch of cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a large bowl, melt 10 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
Step 4: Combine Sugars and Butter
Add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Use a whisk or electric mixer to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and then add the egg and egg yolk. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For the best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy your freshly baked Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or at room temperature!
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best parts about the Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies is that the ingredients are usually found in your kitchen already. Here’s a quick list of what you likely have on hand:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter
- Dark brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Chocolate chips
Little Things that Matter
When it comes to baking cookies, even the smallest details can make a big difference. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly to avoid packing it down.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added flavor.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious for longer, consider the following storage methods:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Dough Storage: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be caused by too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure you measure your ingredients accurately and chill the dough if necessary.
Why are my cookies too hard?
If your cookies come out hard, it might be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them in the oven and take them out when the edges are just golden.
How do I make my cookies chewy?
For chewier cookies, consider using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar retains moisture better.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a unique twist.
The Takeaway
The Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just another cookie recipe; they embody the essence of what a chocolate chip cookie should be. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a glass of milk, these cookies are a timeless treat that will never go out of style. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of these delightful cookies today!
Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, melt 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly.
- Step 4: Add dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Stir in salt, vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Step 8: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (optional).
- Step 9: Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t overbake; cookies continue to cook on the sheet.
