The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to baking, few things evoke the joy and nostalgia of a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. But what if I told you that you could take that classic comfort food and supersize it? Enter The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are not just bigger; they are packed with flavor, perfectly chewy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, one bite will transport you back to simpler times, where the smell of fresh cookies wafted through the air. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable giants!
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and the method of preparation. Using a combination of granulated and brown sugars gives these cookies a delightful chewiness while maintaining a crisp edge. The melted butter not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a beautifully soft texture. By chilling the dough, we allow the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a cookie that is truly unforgettable. This recipe is designed to maximize flavor and texture, making every bite a true delight.
What Goes Into The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies
To create The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture.
- 1 cup (134g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed: Offers a deeper flavor and contributes to chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent for a perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3 cups (372g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 3 cups (510g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk): The star of the show, offering melty goodness in every bite.
Tools of the Trade
To successfully bake these giant cookies, you will need a few essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in measurements is key to great cookies.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For mixing the dough until smooth.
- Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is ideal for holding multiple cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning out the dough evenly for giant cookies.
The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature for your cookies.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens; the more chocolate, the better!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form large balls of dough, about 3 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these giant cookies warm, or store them for later!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these substitutions:
- Margarine: Can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar alternatives: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can replace light brown sugar.
- Egg substitutes: Flax eggs or applesauce can be used to replace eggs for a vegan option.
- Gluten-free flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for all-purpose flour.
Notes on Ingredients
- Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot, as this can cook the eggs when added.
- Using high-quality chocolate chips will significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with the sugars.
- For a hint of spice, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies can be made ahead of time. The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Common Qs About The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give a richer, more intense chocolate flavor to your cookies. Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate!
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar) or simply use granulated sugar alone.
How can I make my cookies even bigger?
To make even larger cookies, simply increase the size of the dough balls to ¼ cup each. Just ensure to adjust the baking time slightly as needed!
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
Serve & Enjoy
The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, or enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of day. They are also wonderful for parties, bake sales, or as a delightful homemade gift. These cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household, creating memories and smiles with each bite.
These cookies encapsulate the essence of comfort food, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With their gooey centers and crisp edges, The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience. Happy baking!
The Best GIANT Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature for your cookies.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
- Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips. Now, fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Chill the Dough. For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Shape the Cookies. Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form large balls of dough, about 3 tablespoons each.
- Step 8: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 9: Cool and Enjoy. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips!
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
