Introduction
Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of these delightful cookies, enhanced by the nutty aroma of browned butter and packed with generous amounts of dark and milk chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and are sure to please both family and friends alike. Follow this detailed guide to create cookies that offer a deliciously chewy texture with a satisfying crunch.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
225g unsalted butter, cut into 1cm cubes
2 cups plain/all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
3 tsp cornflour/cornstarch, tightly packed and leveled
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda (sifted if lumpy)
1/2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
1 tightly packed cup brown sugar (light brown sugar)
1/2 cup caster sugar/superfine sugar (or regular granulated sugar)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 egg yolk from a large egg, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips/semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for decorating
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
Prep Time
45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 large cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Brown the Butter:
– Place the butter in a silver or light-colored saucepan over medium-high heat.
– Once melted, let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes foamy, golden brown, and emits a nutty aroma.
– Immediately pour the browned butter, including the golden specks, into a heatproof bowl.
– Allow it to cool to room temperature for about 45 minutes, ensuring it remains liquid but not hot.
Prepare the Dough:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– To the cooled browned butter, add both sugars and mix with a wooden spoon until combined.
– Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the flour is almost fully incorporated.
– Add the dark and milk chocolate chips, mixing until the dough is well combined.
Shape and Chill the Dough:
– Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, approximately 155g (5.3 oz) each.
– Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a disc about 3.75cm (1.5″) thick.
– Place the discs in an airtight container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Bake the Cookies:
– Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for conventional ovens or 170°C (340°F) for fan-forced ovens.
– Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
– Place the chilled cookie discs on the tray, spacing them 7.5 cm (3″) apart.
– Bake for 17 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the surface is just set but still pale.
Cool and Serve:
– While the cookies are still hot, press additional chocolate chips onto the surface for decoration, if desired.
– Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 20 minutes to finish baking and set.
– Enjoy the cookies warm or transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Notes
Butter:
– Use unsalted butter for better control over the cookies’ salt content, and ensure it’s cut into even cubes for uniform melting.
Chilling Time:
– The dough can benefit from longer chilling times; up to 24 hours is recommended for best flavor and texture.
Baking Temperature:
– Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens may vary in temperature, affecting cook times.
Decoration:
– Pressing extra chocolate chips onto the hot cookies enhances appearance and flavor, providing a more decadent chocolate experience.
Storage:
– Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation.
Cook techniques
Brown the Butter
Place the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-high heat until melted. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty fragrance, then transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool.
Prepare the Dough
Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with both sugars until combined, then incorporate the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine with the dry ingredients before mixing in the chocolate chips.
Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into discs approximately 3.75cm (1.5″) thick. Carefully place the discs in an airtight container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Space the chilled cookie discs apart on the tray and bake until the edges turn golden and the surface sets while remaining pale.
Cool and Serve
After baking, optionally press extra chocolate chips on top while the cookies are still hot. Allow them to cool on the tray for a bit before transferring to a wire rack or enjoying warm.
FAQ
How important is browning the butter?
Browning the butter adds a depth of flavor and a nutty aroma to the cookies, enhancing their taste significantly.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough discs before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar flavor.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can bake them right away.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden around the edges and just set on the surface. They will continue to bake on the tray after removing them from the oven.
Conclusion
These cookies, with their rich flavor from the browned butter and a perfect balance of dark and milk chocolate, offer a delightful treat for chocolate lovers. The unique texture achieved through chilling the dough enhances their overall quality, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert platter. Enjoy these with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee for a satisfying experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Swap half of the all-purpose flour for rolled oats and add some nuts for an added crunch.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies
Mix in half a cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a delicious peanut butter chocolate combo.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the dough and use mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
Nutty Chocolate Cookies
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a warm kick that enhances the chocolate richness.
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
Add dried raspberries to the dough along with dark chocolate chips for a fruity and decadent flavor pairing.
