Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown butter, toffee notes, crispy edges, chewy center.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Makes: 16

Ingredients

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  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 14 tbsp butter (1¾ sticks)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 1¼ cups chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

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  1. Whisk flour and baking soda in bowl. Set aside.
  2. Brown the butter: Melt 10 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high heat, swirling constantly. Cook until milk solids turn dark golden brown and smell nutty, about . Transfer to large bowl.
  3. Add remaining 4 tbsp butter to hot browned butter. Stir until melted.
  4. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla. Whisk until combined.
  5. Add egg and yolk. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Let rest . Whisk 30 seconds. Rest . Whisk 30 seconds. (This develops structure.)
  6. Fold in flour mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  7. Roll dough into 16 balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake at 375°F for until golden brown on edges but still soft in center.
  9. Cool on pan , then transfer to rack.

Notes

  • BROWN THE BUTTER: This is the secret. Creates toffee/nutty flavor that's unmistakable.
  • Dark brown sugar: More molasses = chewier cookie. Don't substitute light.
  • The whisking/resting: Sounds fussy but it dissolves sugar and creates a glossy, crackly top.
  • 1 egg + 1 yolk: Extra yolk = chewier texture. Whole eggs make cakier cookies.
  • Underbake slightly: They firm up as they cool. Golden edges, soft center = perfect.

Adapted from America's Test Kitchen