Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
What is it about chocolate chip cookies that makes them universally loved? Perhaps it’s the rich, gooey chocolate melting with each bite or the comforting aroma that wafts through the kitchen while they bake. This recipe for Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies captures that irresistible essence, bringing a soft and chewy texture that rivals any gourmet bakery. With a perfect balance of sweetness and just the right amount of chocolate, these cookies are designed to become your go-to treat for any occasion.
The appealing thick structure comes from the careful balance of ingredients and technique. The combination of both granulated and brown sugars creates a cookie that is crisp on the outside while remaining chewy and soft in the middle. The addition of extra chocolate chips not only amplifies the flavor but also adds to the overall indulgence. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a warm cookie alone with a glass of milk, these cookies will surely delight.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cookie while adding moisture, helping to create that desired chewy texture.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The primary structure builder, flour is crucial for achieving the right thickness. Too little flour can lead to flat cookies, while too much can result in a dry outcome.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, ensuring they are thick and airy instead of dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the rich chocolate.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sugar contributes to the spread of the cookies while adding sweetness, creating a delicious contrast with the rich chocolate.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar not only contributes sweetness but also moisture, helping to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a warm, comforting background note to each bite.
- 3 cups chocolate chips (semisweet and dark mix): The star ingredient, chocolate chips add bursts of rich flavor. A mix of semisweet and dark creates a delightful complexity.
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Butter is essential for richness and flavor. Melting it ensures a uniform mix and contributes to the cookies’ tenderness.
- Optional: Extra chocolate chips and flaky sea salt for topping: These add a decorative touch and an extra flavor punch, elevating your cookie experience.
Directions & Preparation
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
This first step lays the groundwork for your cookie dough by ensuring that the leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Whisking helps aerate the mix, which contributes to a lighter cookie. -
Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mixing the wet ingredients thoroughly allows the sugars to dissolve and emulsifies the fats. This ensures a uniform dough, so each cookie bakes evenly and has a consistent texture. -
Combine and fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently. Fold in chocolate chips.
Gently mixing prevents gluten from over-developing, which would lead to tough cookies. You want to keep the dough tender. Folding in the chocolate chips at the end ensures they are distributed without breaking. -
Chill the dough: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Chilling the dough is a crucial step that solidifies the fats, leading to less spread during baking. This results in thick cookies with a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. -
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
Preheating ensures that the cookies start baking immediately, which contributes to the ideal rise and texture. Lining the sheets helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup. -
Scoop and shape: Portion the dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart; top with extra chocolate chips and sea salt if desired.
Proper spacing is essential because cookies will expand as they bake. Adding extra chocolate chips on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures each bite has a chocolatey goodness. -
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
Keeping an eye on the cookies as they bake is key to avoiding overcooking. The centers should look slightly underbaked to guarantee that lovely chewiness when they cool. -
Cool: Cool for 5-10 minutes on sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet initially helps them set before transferring, which prevents breakage. The wire rack allows for even cooling, ensuring a consistent texture.
Why Thickness Matters
In baking, thickness isn’t merely aesthetic; it plays a pivotal role in texture and bite. Thick cookies tend to hold moisture better, resulting in that soft, gooey center that everyone loves. By using a combination of eggs and sugars correctly, this recipe ensures that air pockets develop, contributing both to the rise and the ultimate thick texture. If you enjoy cookies that maintain their moistness for days, this recipe is a must-try.
The Chocolate Chip Debate
Selecting the right chocolate chips can change the cookie game. This recipe calls for a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate chips, giving you sweet dashes alongside strong cocoa notes. You can also experiment with different types such as milk or white chocolate; however, balance is key. Too sweet can overshadow the cookie, leading to a less satisfying experience. Feel free to adjust based on your personal taste profile for the perfect cookie.
Customization Options
Whether you’re a fan of nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top, these cookies are a fantastic base for customization. You can swap out a portion of the chocolate for nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Adding a splash of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor too. Playing around with the ingredients allows you to personalize the recipe and create a cookie that’s distinctly yours.
FAQs
1. Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can result from too little flour or failing to chill the dough long enough. Make sure to measure flour accurately and let the dough rest.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour, but it may yield denser cookies. Consider adjusting liquid ratios or using a mix of the two for better texture.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t over-bake them.
4. Can I substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar?
While coconut sugar can be used as a substitute, it may alter the flavor slightly and affect the moisture content. Expect a different texture.
5. How thick should the dough be before baking?
The dough should be slightly thicker than traditional cookie dough, almost like a soft playdough consistency. This thickness ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
6. What if my cookies are too salty?
If your cookies turn out too salty, it may be due to over-measuring the salt. For next time, reduce the salt slightly, or balance it out with a bit more sugar, if desired.
7. Is it essential to chill the dough overnight?
Chilling helps cookies develop flavor and achieve a better texture. If you’re short on time, at least one hour in the fridge is crucial for optimum results.
8. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, this dough freezes exceptionally well. Shape into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
In summary, the Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any ordinary treat; they encapsulate the essence of what makes a cookie comforting and indulgent. With their rich flavors, chewy centers, and just the right amount of crispness, these cookies invite you to indulge in a nostalgic experience with each bite. Remember, the magic is in the details—from measuring your ingredients to the cooling process. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.
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Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich, gooey chocolate chip cookies with a soft and chewy texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups chocolate chips (semisweet and dark mix)
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- Optional: Extra chocolate chips and flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
- Portion the dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart; top with extra chocolate chips and sea salt if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes on sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for achieving thick cookies with the perfect texture. Feel free to customize with nuts or different chocolate types.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg