These days I really like the New York Times chocolate chip cookie recipe. It's consistently good, and I usually have both cake and bread flour around and don't mind using both. However, I still like trying new chocolate chip cookie recipes and a friend recently sent me a link to another good one. It's the Serious Eats Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. And not only does the link include a recipe, but a very informative article called The Science Behind Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kenji Lopez-Alt.
Jump to Recipe
Kenji's post is worth reading for the chemistry alone. He breaks down every step of the chocolate chip cooking baking process and explains why he made certain choices as he developed the recipe. And his choices were interesting. Also, rather than just throw in an unusual ingredient or play with ratios, he came up with a few more innovative techniques for mixing and browning the butter.
Chilling Dough Changes Cookies
I made the Serious Eats Chocolate Chip Cookie dough day before yesterday, let it sit for 24 hours, then baked a batch yesterday and another today. The cookies in the photo are from the first round, which I baked at 325 as indicated. I made a second batch at 350 that came out slightly thicker, but the second batch was also darker brown in color, so I had to choose between thinner and lighter or fatter and darker. I'm sure there's a happy medium, so I'll find that when I bake more of these in the future! They have a wonderful flavor, so there will definitely be a next time. And soon.
Some Updated Photos and Tips 2024
The total is supposed to be 28, but I make more like 16 so the bake time is longer. I think I prefer baking the larger cookies at 350 because there's more caramelization and the cookies don't spread as much, but this could just be a matter of ovens. Also, even though it's painful, please try to chill the dough for at least 24 hours. The overnight chill improves the color and texture of the cookies so much. They'll be darker and more flavorful.
Recipe
Kenji's Serious Eats Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 230 grams unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 28 grams ice cube
- 280 grams unbleached all-purpose flour, KA or a higher protein (2 cups plus 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs (No more than 95 grams total)
- 140 grams granulated sugar (⅔ cup plus a teaspoon)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste
- 140 grams packed dark brown sugar (I use half light and half dark) (⅔ cup plus a teaspoon)
- 230 grams chopped dark chocolate or bittersweet chips
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a large saucepan. Remove pan from heat and stir in the ice cube until it melts. Scrape into a smaller bowl and let cool for at least a half hour or until it is sludgy and no longer liquid.
- While the butter is cooling, weigh out your flour and mix with the baking soda and salt. set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attached, beat the eggs and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes or until light. Add the vanilla and continue beating for 3 more minutes or until mixture falls off the whisk attachment in ribbons.
- Switch to the paddle attachment and beat in the cooled brown butter and the brown sugar. Beat just until blended, then add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until mixed in. Stir in the chocolate.
- Scrape dough into an air tight container and allow it to chill overnight or for up to three days.
- When thick enough to shape, shape into 24 to 28 equal portions. Or make them larger. If you do this, the bake time will be longer and you may want to bake at 350F.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place on parchment lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart and bake one sheet at a time for 13 to 16 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Anna says
Thanks for the review! This is one of my favorites too, and I love how Kenji explained the science in the Serious Eats article.
C Miegel says
These cookies are a huge hit at our house. They have everything we love in a chocolate cookie -- salty, sweet, touch of caramel and gooey chocolate. Definite winner!!!
Katrina says
I don't do the sea salt either, though I do like it on a cookie. Well, back in the day......sigh 😉 I am totally craving sweets today!
Anna says
Can't wait to hear what you think, Jennifer! They're very flavorful. They are extremely toffee/caramel flavored. I am going to try them again with some different brands of chocolate.
Sarah, I agree.
Katrina, the NYT cookies have become my go-to cookies as well. I never use the sea salt at the end, though.
jennifer J-W says
I have this dough in my fridge to bake tomorrow. It tasted really good (yep, I eat raw dough. 🙂 )
Katrina says
Mmmm, those look really good. MY go-to "famous" ccc's are the NYT ones.
Sarah says
Kenji is the main reason I stop by SE every now and then, a great writer and talented cook/baker. He's got a lot of great recipes, and I always stop to read his articles on Serious Eats b/c they're inevitably worth the time.
Amanda says
What a great article! Now I want to make cookies. Yours are gorgeous.