Imagine biting into a cookie so perfect, it makes every other chocolate chip cookie pale in comparison. These aren't just any cookies - these are the legendary Cooks Illustrated Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies that will transform your baking game forever! With a crispy golden edge, a soft and chewy center, and an avalanche of rich chocolate chips, these cookies are the holy grail of desserts that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 42 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 18 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually mix in the flour and baking soda mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for the smoothest, most even mixing
- Don't overmix the dough - this keeps the cookies tender
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor
- Watch cookies carefully - they're done when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting before transferring to a wire rack
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
