Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a beloved classic in the world of cookies, offering a delightful combination of buttery, chewy dough and rich, gooey chocolate chunks. These cookies are a timeless treat that never fails to satisfy a sweet tooth. With their irresistible texture and rich chocolate flavor, Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a go-to favorite for both young and old.
The history of chocolate chip cookies is closely tied to Ruth Graves Wakefield, who is credited with the accidental invention of the first chocolate chip cookie. In the 1930s, Wakefield and her husband owned the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Legend has it that she intended to make chocolate cookies for her guests but ran out of baker’s chocolate. Instead, she used chopped-up semi-sweet chocolate chunks, hoping they would melt and distribute throughout the dough. However, the chocolate pieces retained their shape, resulting in the creation of the first chocolate chip cookies.
The chocolate chip cookies quickly gained popularity, and the recipe was published in a Boston newspaper, gaining nationwide attention. As a result, Nestlé (previously Nestle’s Toll House) struck a deal with Ruth Wakefield, and the semi-sweet chocolate chip was born.
Since then, chocolate chip cookies have become a staple in households and bakeries around the world. Variations on the classic recipe, like Chocolate Chunk Cookies, have emerged, featuring larger chunks of chocolate for an extra indulgent and delightful experience.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
- 1 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1¼ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 & 1/3 cups dark chocolate chips, at least 60% cacao content
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
INSTRUCTIONS
- SIFT DRY INGREDIENTS
- Sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- CREAM BUTTER & SUGARS
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes very light and fluffy, which may take about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then add the vanilla extract.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together, about 5 to 10 seconds.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- REFRIGERATE THE DOUGH
- Press plastic wrap against the dough to cover it completely and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, up to 72 hours. This chilling process helps the flavors develop and enhances the texture of the cookies.
- PREHEAT OVEN & PREPARE BAKING SHEET
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to prevent sticking.
- SHAPE & BAKE THE COOKIES
- Scoop 3 1/2-ounces of dough and roll it into a rough ball. Place the dough ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until you have six mounds of dough on the cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle each cookie lightly with sea salt for added flavor.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown but still remain soft, which usually takes about 18 to 20 minutes.
- COOL & ENJOY
- Transfer the baking sheet with cookies to a wire rack and let them cool for 10 minutes.
- Afterward, transfer the cookies onto another cooling rack to cool a bit more until they are just warm or reach room temperature.
- Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough to bake more batches of delicious Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
Now, you have a batch of mouthwatering Chocolate Chunk Cookies with a perfect balance of buttery dough and decadent chocolate chunks. The slightly sprinkled sea salt on top adds a delightful finishing touch, elevating the flavors of the cookies. Enjoy these treats with a glass of cold milk or share them with friends and family for a delightful dessert experience!
