Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to elevate your cookie game with these irresistible New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know, bold claim, but trust me, once you sink your teeth into these chewy-centered, crispy-edged delights loaded with a triple threat of chocolate, there’s no turning back. The secret lies in the melted butter and the perfect blend of chocolate chips, chunks, and grated chocolate that ensures every bite is a chocolatey dream.

I stumbled upon this recipe in my quest for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The rave reviews from family and friends speak for themselves – from hushing a room with their deliciousness to earning the highest praise from even the toughest dessert critics. These cookies have become a staple at gatherings, celebrations, and late-night indulgences, and for a good reason – they never disappoint.

Whether you enjoy them warm with a gooey chocolate center or get creative with add-ins like nuts, toffee bits, or colorful M&Ms, these New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies are a surefire way to make any occasion extra special. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready to watch them disappear faster than you can say “best cookie ever.”

Quick Benefits

  • Perfect balance of chewy center and crispy edge
  • Chocolate in every single bite with a mix of chocolate chips, chunks, and grated chocolate
  • Versatile – customize with nuts, toffee bits, or M&Ms
  • Easy to store and freeze for later enjoyment

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Recipe

  • Incredible Texture: The melted butter creates a chewy center while the edges turn perfectly crisp, giving you the best of both worlds in a chocolate chip cookie.
  • Chocolate in Every Bite: The combination of chocolate chips, chunks, and grated chocolate ensures you get chocolate in every single bite, whether it’s a melty pocket or a hint of chocolate flavor throughout the dough.
  • Praise-Worthy: These cookies have received high praise from even the most critical of dessert lovers, with comments like “the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had” and “better than mom’s.”
  • Versatile Additions: You can customize these cookies by adding toasted nuts for crunch, toffee bits for a caramel note, or colored M&Ms for a festive touch, making them perfect for any occasion.
  • Easy Storage: These cookies stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature, and you can freeze baked cookies or dough for future cravings, making them convenient for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for gatherings, care packages, or late-night cravings, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients for Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

For the Cookies

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)

How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine melted and cooled butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl. Mix until sugar dissolves. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix at low speed until combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Add Chocolate

Gently incorporate the chocolate chips, chunks, and grated dark chocolate into the dough until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors and control spreading while baking.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape and Garnish

Form 1-inch balls from the chilled dough and arrange them on the baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently press extra chocolate chips onto the tops and sides of the dough balls.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should appear underbaked and very soft for the ideal texture.

Step 9: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up and slightly deflate. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Store

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for extended storage.

Storage Tips

To store the New York Times chocolate chip cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week, allowing you to enjoy them over several days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing the baked cookies. Lay them out in a single layer until they solidify, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps maintain their freshness and flavor for an extended time.

Another storage option is to freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. You can bake the cookies straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies whenever you crave them without the need to make a new batch from scratch. By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your New York Times chocolate chip cookies stay delicious and enjoyable for longer periods.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a few substitutions in this New York Times chocolate chip cookie recipe, there are some options to consider. For a dairy-free version, you can replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. For a healthier twist, you could try using whole wheat flour or a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you prefer a lower sugar option, you can experiment with using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute in place of the brown and granulated sugars.

To add a different flavor profile to these cookies, you could mix things up by swapping out the chocolate chips and chunks for other types of chocolate or mix-ins. For example, try using white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a unique twist. If you want to enhance the cookies with a touch of warmth, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the dough. These variations can help you customize the cookies to suit your preferences or dietary needs while still delivering a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

For a decadent dessert, serve these New York Times chocolate chip cookies warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. The warm, gooey cookies paired with cold, creamy ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

To add a festive twist to these already amazing cookies, substitute some of the chocolate chips with colored M&Ms. The vibrant colors and additional crunch from the candy coating will make these cookies a hit at any celebration or gathering.

FAQs for Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the overall saltiness of the cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough to bake later?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough by rolling it into balls and freezing them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. You can bake the cookies straight from frozen, just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

How long can I store these cookies, and what is the best way to keep them fresh?

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they are solid. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them as needed.

Can I customize this recipe with different mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookies by adding ingredients like toasted nuts, toffee bits, colored M&Ms, or any other mix-ins you prefer. Get creative and make these cookies your own!

Conclusion

These New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies truly are a game-changer in the world of homemade treats. They’ve become my go-to recipe for any occasion, from family gatherings to solo indulgences. The perfect blend of chewy center, crisp edges, and pockets of melty chocolate make them an absolute crowd-pleaser. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, ensuring that you can enjoy these decadent cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to impress. The recipe is versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or toffee bits, making each batch uniquely delicious. So go ahead, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a taste of cookie perfection. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll soon understand why these cookies have earned their well-deserved reputation as the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Perfectly balanced with a chewy center and crispy edges, these New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies are loaded with an irresistible combination of chocolate in every bite.
Prep Time20 Minutes
Cook Time12 Minutes
Total Time32 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings18 Servings (16-18 cookies)

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine melted and cooled butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl. Mix until sugar dissolves. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix at low speed until combined.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Add Chocolate: Gently incorporate the chocolate chips, chunks, and grated dark chocolate into the dough until evenly mixed.
  5. Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors and control spreading while baking.
  6. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Shape and Garnish: Form 1-inch balls from the chilled dough and arrange them on the baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently press extra chocolate chips onto the tops and sides of the dough balls.
  8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should appear underbaked and very soft for the ideal texture.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up and slightly deflate. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Store: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for extended storage.