Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Craving the perfect chocolate chip cookie? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to the best big fat chewy chocolate chip cookie that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Follow these steps and tips to bake the most delicious, soft, and chewy cookies ever.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make the best big fat chewy chocolate chip cookies, you need high-quality ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk until the mixture is light and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Chill the Dough
Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps to solidify the fat in the cookies, preventing them from spreading too much during baking.
8. Shape the Cookies
Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 3 tablespoons in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers are still soft. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.
10. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
11. Store Properly
Store your big fat chewy chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls to bake later; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.
12. Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps to mix the ingredients more easily and evenly.
- Don’t overbake: The key to chewy cookies is to bake them until just set. The centers should still look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
- Experiment with chocolate: Try using a mix of chocolate chips, chunks, or even different types of chocolate like dark, milk, or white to add variety to your cookies.
- Add a pinch of sea salt: Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to bake the best big fat chewy chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy your delicious homemade treats with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee, and share them with friends and family who are sure to be impressed by your baking skills.