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When making bakery-style chocolate chip cookies, it’s all about the right ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating that perfect cookie. Here’s what you need: - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans) - Flaky sea salt for finishing 1. All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies. It gives structure and helps them rise. 2. Baking Soda: This helps cookies spread and rise. It adds a nice chewiness. 3. Salt: Salt boosts flavors. It makes the sweetness pop and balances the taste. 4. Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter helps create a creamy texture. It adds rich flavor. 5. Granulated and Dark Brown Sugar: The mix of sugars gives a nice balance of sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. 6. Vanilla Extract: This brings warmth and depth to the flavor. It’s a must for any cookie recipe. 7. Large Eggs: Eggs bind everything together. They add moisture and richness. 8. Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These are the stars of the show. They melt just right and add sweetness. 9. Chopped Nuts: Optional, but they add crunch and flavor. Use walnuts or pecans for a nice twist. 10. Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top enhances the flavors. It gives that bakery-style touch. Gathering these ingredients ensures your cookies will be soft, chewy, and delightful. Each plays a role in making those bakery-style chocolate chip cookies unforgettable. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper. This makes cookie removal easy and helps them bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture helps the cookies rise and keeps them tasty. Set it aside for later use. Take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy, turning a pale color. This step adds air to the cookies. Next, add the pure vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Mix well after adding each egg. This helps create a smooth, creamy batter. Make sure everything is blended well. Now, gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if you like. This helps evenly distribute the chocolate and nuts without overworking the dough. With a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Each scoop should be about 2 inches in diameter. Space them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread while baking. Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, while the centers stay slightly soft. They might look underbaked, but they will set as they cool. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up while still being deliciously warm. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies! To get that soft, chewy texture, focus on your dough. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. This balance is key for bakery-style cookies. Oven calibration is very important. Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Place your cookies in the center of the oven. This ensures even baking. Don’t crowd the baking sheets, or the cookies will blend together. Leave space for them to spread. For a great presentation, serve your cookies on a rustic wooden board. You can also place them on a colorful plate. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a few extra chocolate chips on top. This makes the cookies look even more tempting. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful treat. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent spreading and results in a chewier texture. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips or chunks for a richer flavor. Chocolate can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your cookies. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies! Add in ingredients like shredded coconut, toffee bits, or even a hint of espresso powder for a unique twist. {{image_4}} If you have nut allergies, you can still enjoy these cookies. Simply leave out the chopped nuts. You can replace them with more chocolate chips. This keeps the cookie rich and tasty, without any allergy risks. You can choose between dark and milk chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a rich, intense flavor. Milk chocolate adds sweetness and creaminess. You might also mix both for a fun twist! Each choice offers a unique taste experience. Want to make these cookies even better? Consider adding a dash of espresso powder. This gives a nice coffee flavor that blends well with chocolate. You can also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking. This adds a savory touch that makes the cookies irresistible! To keep your bakery-style chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in airtight containers. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them out in warm or humid areas. This will help maintain their wonderful texture. You can freeze your cookies for later enjoyment. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, place each cookie in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or a freezer bag. To thaw, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh-baked taste. When stored properly, these cookies will last about a week at room temperature. If frozen, they maintain their best quality for up to three months. After that, they might lose some flavor and texture but will still be safe to eat. Enjoy your cookies at their best by following these storage tips! To make your cookies softer, try a few simple tips: - Use more brown sugar than white sugar. - Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. - Bake them slightly less than the time stated. - Add an extra egg yolk to the mix. These changes will help keep your cookies soft and chewy. Yes, you can use all brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor. It keeps cookies soft and chewy. However, using only brown sugar can make cookies denser. A mix of both sugars gives the best results. If your dough is sticky, try these solutions: - Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes. - Add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. - Use a cookie scoop to handle the dough easily. These methods will help you manage sticky dough. Absolutely! You can use any chocolate chips you like. Here are some options: - Milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste. - Dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor. - White chocolate chips for a creamy twist. You can even mix different types for fun combinations. To keep your cookies fresh, follow these tips: - Store cookies in an airtight container. - Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. - Keep them at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. In this post, we explored all the essential steps to create delicious cookies. From selecting your ingredients, like flour and chocolate chips, to perfecting your baking method, each step matters. I highlighted tips for texture and flavor variations to cater to your preferences. Remember, proper storage extends freshness. With these insights, you can bake cookies that everyone will enjoy. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
  • to taste flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until it is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  • Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Slowly add the pure vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
  • Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this may lead to tougher cookies.
  • Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if desired) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Scoop the Dough: With a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop generous portions of cookie dough (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  • Finish with Sea Salt: Just before placing the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each uncooked cookie to enhance the flavor and add a delightful contrast.
  • Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies may appear underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these treats warm or at room temperature!

Notes

For an added touch, serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate, garnished with a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for an enticing display.
Keyword baking, chocolate chip, cookies