Irresistible Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can resist the allure of a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie? These homemade dark chocolate chip cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of soft, crumbly texture and rich chocolate flavor that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (120g) butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (70g) muscovado or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla powder
  • 1 whole egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) 00 flour
  • 1 cup (100g) oat flour or crushed corn flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (5g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (150g) dark chocolate chips or pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. Sift together the 00 flour, oat flour (or crushed corn flakes), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form into walnut-sized balls, approximately 25g each.
  9. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate or storage container.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Sugar: 8g

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 2 hours
  • Baking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 18-20 cookies

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and consistency.
  • Chill the dough to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
  • Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to set as they cool.
  • For extra richness, use high-quality dark chocolate chips.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Replace dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
  • Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
  • Substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste
  • Use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.

Q2: How long will these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature.

Q3: Can I make these cookies vegan? Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Q4: Why should I chill the dough? Chilling helps prevent spreading, concentrates flavors, and improves texture.

Q5: Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but replace only half the flour to maintain the cookies’ soft texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week
  • Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
  • Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days before baking
  • For best results, bake cookies from chilled dough

Enjoy these delectable dark chocolate chip cookies – a perfect treat for any occasion!