The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
When it comes to cookies, chocolate chip reigns supreme with its crispy edges and soft, gooey centers. This contest-winning recipe delivers exceptional flavor through a simple brown butter technique that anyone can master.
The Secret – Brown Butter
Brown butter transforms ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats by:
- Toasting milk solids for a nutty, caramelized flavor
- Adding depth without extra ingredients
- Creating complexity that sets these cookies apart
Use high-quality butter like Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter for best results.
The Two-Sugar Method
- ½ cup white sugar: Creates crisp exterior
- ½ cup brown sugar: Provides chewiness and moisture
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Butter
- Melt butter over medium-low heat until golden brown
- Transfer to mixing bowl and cool for 5 minutes
- Create the Base
- Add sugars to cooled butter and mix until fluffy
- Add room temperature egg and mix to lava-like consistency
- Add Flavoring and Leavening
- Mix in vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda thoroughly
- Complete the Dough
- Add flour and chocolate chips simultaneously
- Mix until no flour is visible
- Shape and Bake
- Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart
- Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt
- For flat cookies: Bake immediately
- For thicker cookies: Refrigerate dough 5-10 minutes first
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes
- Finish
- Cool for 5-8 minutes before serving
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Based on recipe yielding 12 cookies
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 2g |
*Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies without browning the butter?
Yes, but browning adds significant flavor. If skipping this step, use melted butter instead.
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Use your preferred chocolate, though dark chocolate provides a rich contrast to the sweet dough.
Why add salt on top of sweet cookies?
Flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a sophisticated sweet-savory balance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Conclusion
These award-winning chocolate chip cookies strike the perfect balance between accessible technique and gourmet results.
The brown butter method elevates an everyday treat into something special without requiring fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you’re baking for a contest, family gathering, or simple indulgence, this recipe delivers cookies with professional-quality texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret.
