Quite surprisingly, chocolate chip cookies may be prepared in a myriad of ways.
For some, thin and crumbly cookies are the way to go. Rich, tender, and wonderfully airy chocolate chip cookies are my favorite.
This is my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe, and if you feel the same way, I have a secret ingredient that will make the best chocolate chip cookies ever.
I Am Baker is the source.
I beg the question: what exactly is this hidden ingredient? Yup, that’s cream cheese!
Adding cream cheese to a chocolate chip cookie recipe may seem strange at first, but it really enhances the taste and makes for wonderfully moist and airy cookies when used in moderation.
Cooking Classy is the source.
According to Averie Cooks,
a food blogger and cookbook author,
3/4 cup of butter is called for in her go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies.
Half a cup of butter and a quarter cup of cream cheese are the ingredients that Averie calls for in her recipe for soft batch chocolate chip cookies.
According to Averie, the cream cheese is responsible for the cookies’ tenderness, moisture, and deliciously rich texture.
Does this have anybody else salivating?
author: Averie Cooks
In the mood to bake some soft batch chocolate chip cookies?
Averie has the perfect recipe for you.
For the complete ingredient list and detailed directions, go here.
Soft and fluffy, these batch cookies not only have the ideal texture and taste, but they will also retain their shape for a little longer.
While I can’t speak for you, I foresee a cookie-baking session in my near future.
Variations for Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base. Use both milk and dark chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add ½ cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter to the dough. You can also mix in peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats. This adds a chewy texture and a bit of nuttiness to the cookies.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add caramel bits or pieces of soft caramels into the dough and sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a tropical twist.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough and use mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints.
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies
Substitute regular chocolate chips with white chocolate and mix in macadamia nuts for a decadent variation.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown the butter before mixing it into the dough. This adds a nutty, deep flavor to the cookies.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil, or vegan butter for a vegan option. For gluten-free, replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chill the Dough
Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) helps the flavors meld and improves texture, making the cookies chewier.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing, allowing for even incorporation and a better dough consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until combined for soft, tender cookies.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to packing and using too much flour.
Use a Cookie Scoop
For even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This also helps them bake evenly.
Add a Sprinkle of Salt
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Watch the Oven
Bake cookies until the edges are just golden and the center is still soft. They’ll continue to bake on the tray after being removed from the oven.
Experiment with Chocolate
Mix different types of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, dark) or use chopped chocolate bars for varied textures and flavors.
These variations and tips can help you create your perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies, suited to your tastes!
Proper storage can help maintain the freshness of your chocolate chip cookies. Here’s how to store them:
At Room Temperature:
Container: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Add Bread: Place a slice of bread in the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft longer (the bread may harden, but the cookies stay fresh).
Shelf Life: Cookies stored at room temperature will last for 4-5 days.
In the Refrigerator:
For Longer Freshness: If you want to store cookies for more than a week, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge.
Shelf Life: They can last up to 2 weeks, but refrigeration may cause the cookies to harden a bit.
Freezing Cookies:
Wrap Individually: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil to avoid freezer burn, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Layer: If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Shelf Life: Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before eating, or reheat briefly in the microwave.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
Scoop Before Freezing: If you want to bake fresh cookies later, scoop the dough into individual cookie portions and freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
Baking from Frozen: You can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Storing Crispy Cookies:
If you prefer crispy cookies, store them in a loosely covered container.
To keep them crisp, you can also leave them uncovered for a short time before storing.
By following these methods, you can ensure that your chocolate chip cookies stay fresh, whether you’re keeping them for a few days or planning to enjoy them later!