Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

By KDHarmon

Swap options:

For a caramelized flavor, swap the butter with room temperature brown butter: Cook butter in a saucepan until lightly browning on the bottom and remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

For a heartier texture, swap the flour with ground old-fashioned oats.

For more add-in ideas, use bittersweet chocolate chips or pieces and/or nuts, dried fruit, etc.

Ingredients

• 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 18 ounces (2 bags) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that the mixture is mixed well. (An electric hand mixer can also be used instead of a stand mixer.)

2. Add the vanilla and combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl in between additions, until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the batter, a third at a time, and mix on low until the batter just comes together — it's very important to be careful not to over-mix at this point.

4. Using a spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure that the batter is uniformly mixed.

5. Add the chocolate chips and mix into the batter.

6. Scoop golf ball-sized mounds of dough, in tight rows, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (I like to spray nonstick spray on the baking sheet in order to secure the parchment paper in place.) Once all of the dough is scooped, add place the tray in the freezer. Once frozen, store the dough balls in a freezer-safe container until you're ready to bake.

7. To bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the frozen dough scoops on a parchment paper-lined sheet tray and bake 9 to 12 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and lightly browned on top. Let cool before eating.