These homemade chocolate chip cookies with rich chocolate chunks are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their chewy texture and combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate make them the perfect indulgence for cookie lovers. The balance between the soft center and slightly crisp edges gives every bite a satisfying experience.
The dough is easy to prepare, and the cookies bake up quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or a family bake day. Whether you’re serving them with a cold glass of milk or enjoying them solo, these cookies will be a crowd-pleaser. The chunks of chocolate add an extra layer of richness, making each bite even more decadent.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed light-brown sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips (or chunks)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 200 per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chocolate Chunks: A Timeless Treat
Chocolate chip cookies have long been a staple in kitchens around the world. They are arguably the most beloved cookie, a classic dessert that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. While variations abound, there is something undeniably special about the original chocolate chip cookie, with its perfect balance of rich, gooey chocolate, buttery dough, and chewy texture. One delightful twist on this classic is the use of chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips, which not only enhances the chocolatey goodness but also adds texture and variety to each bite. The result is a cookie that’s even more indulgent and satisfying than its chip-based counterpart.
This recipe for chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chunks is a perfect way to elevate your baking game. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple yet irresistible recipe will become a go-to for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing friends and family. In this article, we will delve deeper into what makes this recipe so special, offer tips and variations, and explore the rich history of chocolate chip cookies.
The Origins of Chocolate Chip Cookies
The chocolate chip cookie was first created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Ruth had been experimenting with adding chocolate to her cookie dough and decided to break up a bar of chocolate into small pieces, adding them to her batter. To her surprise, instead of melting completely into the dough, the chocolate pieces held their shape, creating a delightful surprise in each bite. Ruth’s creation quickly became popular, and the recipe was later published in a Boston newspaper, leading to the widespread popularity of chocolate chip cookies.
The cookie’s fame spread even further when Nestlé approached Ruth and offered to print her cookie recipe on their chocolate bar packaging. In return, Ruth received a lifetime supply of Nestlé chocolate. This partnership helped cement the chocolate chip cookie as one of America’s favorite baked goods, and it continues to hold that title to this day.
Why Chocolate Chunks?
While chocolate chips are the traditional choice for chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chunks offer several advantages. The primary difference between the two lies in their size and shape. Chocolate chunks are larger and irregularly shaped, creating pockets of gooey, melted chocolate in every bite. This contrasts with the more uniform melt of chocolate chips, which can sometimes result in a less pronounced chocolate flavor.
The chunks create an interesting texture, as the irregular edges add a bit of crunch while the larger pieces melt more slowly, providing a longer-lasting chocolate experience. If you’re a true chocolate lover, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with every bite. The presence of both small and large chunks in each cookie means you get a variety of textures and flavor intensities, which makes eating the cookie even more enjoyable.
The Appeal of Homemade Cookies
Baking cookies from scratch has a warmth and satisfaction that store-bought versions simply cannot match. There’s something inherently comforting about the process of mixing ingredients, forming the dough, and watching the cookies transform in the oven. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen is a universal symbol of comfort, and there’s no better way to create memories than by baking together with family or friends.
Moreover, homemade cookies allow you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, ensuring that you are using the best possible products. By choosing high-quality chocolate chunks, you’re guaranteeing that the flavor of the chocolate stands out. This is particularly important when using chocolate chunks, as the chocolate’s quality plays a significant role in the final taste of the cookie.
Baking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chocolate Chunks
To achieve the perfect chocolate chip cookie with chocolate chunks, there are several tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and small discrepancies in ingredient measurements can lead to subpar results. Using a kitchen scale for ingredients like flour and butter can help ensure consistency and the perfect dough texture.
Additionally, it’s crucial to cream the butter and sugars well. This step is key to ensuring that the cookies have a light, tender texture. The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise slightly during baking, giving them a soft yet chewy consistency. Be patient when creaming the butter and sugars, as this step contributes to the cookies’ overall texture.
Another important tip is to not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, as it develops too much gluten in the dough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and then fold in the chocolate chunks. For an extra touch of flavor, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
Flavor Variations
While the classic chocolate chip cookie with chocolate chunks is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the flavor to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of milk and dark chocolate. Each type of chocolate will impart its own unique flavor, and mixing different chocolates can create a richer, more complex taste profile.
If you’re looking for a twist, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and create a beautiful contrast between sweet and salty.
The Versatility of Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the reasons why chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chunks remain so popular is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as an after-school snack, a treat for special occasions, or a homemade gift. They are perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence after a long day.
In addition to enjoying them fresh out of the oven, these cookies also freeze well. After baking, let the cookies cool completely and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked flavor. This makes them an excellent option for meal prepping or for having a batch of cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion:
There’s no denying that chocolate chip cookies, particularly those made with chocolate chunks, are a beloved treat. Whether you’re indulging in one fresh out of the oven or enjoying them as part of a holiday tradition, these cookies are sure to please. The combination of a soft, chewy center with pockets of melted chocolate is a simple yet irresistible indulgence that has stood the test of time.
By following the right techniques and using quality ingredients, you can bake your own batch of these delicious cookies and enjoy the comforting feeling of homemade treats. With the versatility to customize flavors and ingredients, chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chunks can be personalized to fit any occasion. As you take a bite, you’ll not only taste the rich chocolate and buttery dough, but you’ll also experience a piece of baking history, carrying on the legacy of Ruth Wakefield and the iconic cookie she created.