Monday, February 15, 2010

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Husband insists this is the the thirtieth recipe for chocolate chip cookies I've tried. I'm pretty sure it's not, and that the number is more like the low teens. In any case, it's immaterial, because these really are the perfect chocolate chip cookie!

As you may know, I religiously follow Cook's Illustrated and America's Test Kitchen, and recently there was an episode of America's Test Kitchen where they attempted to outdo the NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that's been making it's way around various food blogs for the last year or so. I think they succeeded. This is the most delicious cookie I've ever tasted, and I've tasted quite a few.

Oh - and I may not be blogging much this week, I've got massive preparing to do this week for Baby's second birthday party this Saturday. I have a ridiculously long to do list, so I'm going to be MIA probably for a little while, so bear with me, and have a cookie!



Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 c unbleached all-purpose flour (8 3/4 oz)
1/2 tsp baking soda
14 tbsp unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
1/2 c granulated sugar (3 1/2 oz)
3/4 c packed dark brown sugar (5 1/4 oz)
1 tsp table salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 c Hershey Special Dark chocolate chips
3/4 c chopped pecan or toasted walnuts (totally optional - I skipped this!)

1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 375. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set asidde.
2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, using a heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to a large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.
3. Add both sugars, salt and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using), given dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.
4. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tbsp (or use #24 cookie scoop). Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 balls per sheet.
5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack and allow cookies to cool completely before serving.

9 comments:

Melissa B. said...

EXACTLY what I need after a calorie-packed Valentine's Day. No, seriously, thanks for sharing these. Always room for one more sweet, correctamundo? SITS sent me by, and I'm glad they did!

To Whom It May Concern

Small Burst said...

I'm always in search of the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. Gotta try this one. Thanks!

D said...

Following from SITS!

As far as the big kid bed goes, make sure your little on is really, really tired. Then try some reading while you are laying next to them.

This process took us a while too, hang in!

Anonymous said...

This would go perfectly with my Chocolate Chip Brownie Delight I have over at my site! I'm going to link you:)

The Blonde Duck said...

Those sound awesome! Good luck planning for the party!

extreme personal measures said...

OMG! Those look so good! Killing my diet I tell you!!!!!


Stopping by from SITS to say HI! I have made a promise to myself to visit and comment on all blogs posted to spread the love!

Mhel said...

Stopping by from SITS!! glad to have found a food blog....

I will definitely try your chocolate cookie.. i will save this recipe.
Since you have a sweet tooth, you might wanna check my blog about Filipino Chocolatier that makes Eurasian fusion of European chocolates and exotic Asian ingredients...

http://ems-premature-eblogulation.blogspot.com/2010/02/velli-luscious.html

Claudya Martinez said...

My husband does the cooking, but today he complained that it would be nice to have something made for him on occasion. He loves his chocolate chip cookies. I might have to make these for him. The problem is that if he likes them, he'll want me to make them all the time. I guess he's worth it.

Unknown said...

Hi Elizabeth! I've been meaning to get over here and respond to your question and finally, here I am :) I didn't use the recommended chocolate - I just used what I had on hand, which was admittedly an inferior chocolate chip. Next time I make them I'll try the Ghirardelli for sure! Your cookies look yummy!

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