I could be more modest as I say this, but the fact remains- I make some killer chocolate chip cookies.
Most frequently, I use Sally’s baking addiction’s recipe– it’s speedy (because it uses melted butter) and consistently delicious. It makes huge cookies- I prefer them slightly smaller, about 2 tablespoons each. If you are loyal to specific chocolate chip cookie recipe, do you, by all means, but keep reading for my tips for the yummiest chewy chocolate chip cookies!
I love full, round flavors, so I pack them in: I use a running-over spoonful of Nielsen Massey vanilla paste, sprinkle fleur de sel on freshly baked cookies, and have even browned the butter on occasion. I like the cookie dough to be tasty before chocolate even enters the occasion.
And speaking of chocolate- being picky matters. Always hand chop from bars (I like the huge ones from Trader Joe’s for a great combo of price and quality), over chocolate chips. Chips have stabilizers to help them keep their shape- and that’s the last thing I want! I want melty, ooey gooey puddles of chocolate, which comes from chunks of chocolate big and small. I like to do half milk and half dark chocolate, but I know that chocolate preferences vary. And honestly, I’ve made some yummy cookies when I chopped up a mix of Valrhona squares and bars I found in our pantry, so feel free to have fun with it,
Shaping the dough correctly makes all the difference! You want for each cookie to be taller rather than wide- it makes for a cookie that stays thick even as it spreads out from the oven’s heat. If you want your cookies to have that rustic, craggy bakery top, rip your dough balls in half and reform inside out, with the tattered bits exposed, before gently placing on the baking tray (I learned this technique from Brown-eyed baker).
And these cookie bottle caps are the cutest- I would love them for a baby shower or kid’s party! I size them at a level tablespoon and prefer these crispier, so they bake at 340 for 15-17 min. (also, those paper straws are left over from our wedding a lifetime ago!)
After writing this all up, I’ve got a cookie craving, so I”m glad there’s dough awaiting me in my fridge. Hoping cookies are imminent for you too- enjoy!
love, Ravayna
