Name: My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour; 1 cup bread flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 pound bittersweet chocolate disks or chips (at least 60% cacao content); Sea salt ((optional, for sprinkling))

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the gooey chocolate melting in your mouth, and the perfect balance of sweet and salty all come together in one delightful treat. Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe. With a combination of cake flour and bread flour, these cookies achieve an incredible texture that’s both chewy and slightly crispy. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Reasons to Love My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are not just your ordinary chocolate chip cookies; they are a labor of love that results in the ultimate indulgence. Here are a few reasons why you will adore them:

– **Texture:** The blend of cake flour and bread flour creates a perfect chewiness and structure.
– **Flavor:** The rich, bittersweet chocolate pairs beautifully with the caramel notes from the brown sugar.
– **Versatility:** You can easily customize them by adding nuts, oats, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
– **Batch Friendly:** This recipe yields a generous amount, making it perfect for sharing or saving for later.

Ingredients at a Glance

To whip up these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1 cup bread flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 pound bittersweet chocolate disks or chips (at least 60% cacao content)
Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
Whisk: To mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: For folding in the chocolate and ensuring everything is well combined.
Baking sheets: To bake your cookies.
Parchment paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.

Method: My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these simple steps for cookie perfection:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and blend until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate

Gently fold in the bittersweet chocolate disks or chips using a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fit It to Your Goals

Want to customize these cookies? Here are some ideas:

Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
Incorporate oats: For a hearty twist, add a cup of rolled oats.
Try different chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor.
Make them gluten-free: Substitute the flours with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup.

Method to the Madness

The combination of cake flour and bread flour is what elevates these cookies. Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a tender crumb, while bread flour adds chewiness due to its higher protein content. This balance creates a cookie that is both soft in the center yet has a slight crispness around the edges. The bittersweet chocolate adds richness, while the optional sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious for days, follow these storage tips:

Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reader Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake and bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may not be as perfect as with the combination of cake and bread flour. You might end up with slightly flatter cookies.

What type of chocolate should I use?

I recommend using bittersweet chocolate disks or chips with at least 60% cacao content for the best flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite types of chocolate!

How do I make my cookies thicker?

If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in a thicker cookie.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a fun twist.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love cookies, check out these other delightful recipes:

Next Steps

Now that you have the recipe for my favorite chocolate chip cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and preheat that oven! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Remember to enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and indulge in the warm, gooey goodness that only homemade cookies can provide. Happy baking!