5 Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, adored by people of all ages for their sweet and chewy appeal. These delectable treats are perfect for any occasion, be it a casual afternoon tea, a birthday celebration, or simply as a comforting treat after a long day. With an array of recipes, each with its unique twist, finding the best chocolate chip cookie can be a delightful journey. This blog post will explore five of the best chocolate chip cookie recipes that cater to different tastes, textures, and even dietary needs.

1. The Classic Toll House Cookie

The Nestlé Toll House cookie is arguably the most iconic version of this beloved treat, and the original recipe remains a favorite due to its simplicity and delicious balance of ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Here's how to make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed.
4. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Scoop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
8. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

💡 Note: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them, taking them out of the oven when they still look a little underdone in the center.

2. Levain Bakery Copycat Cookies

Known for their oversized, chunky cookies, Levain Bakery’s approach has inspired countless home bakers. Here’s a version that replicates their famous texture and flavor:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 3 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks or chips
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

Making the cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth but still a bit crumbly.
3. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients and gently mix into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in chocolate chunks and walnuts.
6. Scoop large, golf ball-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked.
8. Let cool on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔎 Note: For a restaurant-quality cookie, ensure the dough is slightly underbaked; it will continue to cook on the tray.

3. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

With the rise in gluten-free diets, finding a good chocolate chip cookie recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste has become essential. Here’s one that’s delicious and easy to make:

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (only if not included in your flour mix)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Here's the process:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, xanthan gum (if needed), and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Gradually blend in the dry mixture.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop large spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan baking has come a long way, and chocolate chip cookies are no exception. Here's a simple, dairy-free, and egg-free recipe that delivers all the flavor:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips

Here's how to make these vegan treats:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat together coconut oil, sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until creamy.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet, leaving room for spreading.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden at the edges.
8. Allow to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🌱 Note: For a crispier cookie, flatten the dough slightly before baking; for a chewier texture, keep the dough in a ball.

5. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

The process of browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to chocolate chip cookies that’s simply irresistible. Here’s how you can do it:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips

The process for making brown butter chocolate chip cookies:

1. Brown the butter in a pan over medium heat until it turns a light brown color and has a nutty scent. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2. Combine browned butter with sugars, mixing until well blended.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for better flavor.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

These five chocolate chip cookie recipes offer a variety of flavors, textures, and dietary considerations that make baking at home an exciting adventure. From the classic Toll House to innovative variations like vegan or gluten-free, each recipe brings something special to the table. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, these cookies are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth. Remember, the magic of a good cookie is not just in the ingredients but also in the love and care you put into making them.

Can I freeze cookie dough?

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Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for future baking. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, you can place frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and adjust the baking time slightly.

How long can I store baked cookies?

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Baked cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to three months when properly stored.

What can I substitute for eggs in cookie recipes?

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In egg-free or vegan recipes, you can substitute one egg with:

• 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to gel).
• ¹⁄₄ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• ¹⁄₄ cup of mashed banana.
• ¹⁄₄ cup of silken tofu, pureed.

Each substitute might slightly change the texture or flavor, so adjust your recipe accordingly.