Name: giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 63 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour ((284 g)); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon Morton kosher salt; ½ pound unsalted butter (at room temperature (2 sticks)); 1½ cups granulated sugar ((297 g)); ¼ cup packed light brown sugar ((50 g)); 1 large egg; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons water; 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate bar (chopped into bite-size pieces (170 g))

Introduction to Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

Giant chocolate chip cookies are not just a delightful twist on a classic; they’re a transformative experience for your home baking! Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, but instead of reaching for an ordinary cookie, you pull out a colossal cookie that’s crisp on the edges and chewy in the center. This is where the magic happens.

Why Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Game Changer for Home Baking

Baking giant chocolate chip cookies is an exciting adventure that elevates your usual cookie experience. Each large cookie serves as a decadent dessert centerpiece, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in solo. With more chocolate in each bite and the ability to choose your desired thickness, these cookies bring a new level of enjoyment that small cookies simply can’t match.

The fun doesn't stop there! You can experiment with various mix-ins or even add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra burst of flavor. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Just follow a few simple steps and you'll have a batch that rivals your favorite bakery treats.

Curious about making them at home? Check out sources like Serious Eats for tips on perfecting your technique. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these awe-inspiring giant cookies!

Ingredients for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you’re ready to whip up a batch of giant chocolate chip cookies, gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture and melty chocolate goodness. Here’s what you need to create these delicious treats:

2 cups all-purpose flour (284 g): This serves as the base of your cookies.
½ teaspoon baking soda: For that lovely rise and texture.
¾ teaspoon Morton kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature: Makes your cookies rich and buttery.
1½ cups granulated sugar (297 g): Adds sweetness and helps in achieving that golden color.
¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50 g): For a hint of caramel flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: The secret ingredient for depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons water: Helps in achieving the right consistency.
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate bar, chopped into bite-size pieces (170 g): The star of the show that gives every bite a chocolatey bliss.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re on your way to baking the best giant chocolate chip cookies that will be the talk of your next gathering! For tips on how to properly measure flour or the benefits of using high-quality chocolate, check out these baking tips. Happy baking!

Step-by-step Preparation of Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

Getting ready to make giant chocolate chip cookies is an exciting adventure, and trust me, the sweet rewards will be well worth your effort! Follow these simple steps, and you'll have warm, gooey cookies that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

Gather and prepare your ingredients

To kick things off, let’s make sure you have everything you need on hand. Here’s what you’ll require:

2 cups all-purpose flour (284 g)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar (297 g)
¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50 g)
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate bar, chopped into bite-size pieces (170 g)

Before diving in, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three baking pans with aluminum foil, dull side up — this helps with an even bake and easy cleanup.

Create your dry mix

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix plays a crucial role in the texture of your cookies. The baking soda will ensure they puff up beautifully, while the salt enhances the flavor of those rich chocolate chunks.

Cream the butter and sugars

Next up, in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if you’re going old-school), beat the room-temperature butter on medium speed until creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. Add your granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is all about creating a lovely base for your giant chocolate chip cookies.

Incorporate the egg, vanilla, and water

Now it’s time to add in your egg, vanilla extract, and water. Mix everything on low speed just until combined. Trust me, keeping it low and slow at this stage will prevent overmixing, ensuring your cookies turn out tender and chewy.

Mix in the dry ingredients

Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring on low until just combined. You don’t want to overdo it — a few flour streaks are totally okay. Your dough is now coming together beautifully!

Add those luscious chocolate chunks

This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate using a spatula. The various sizes of the chunks will create that delightful melty goodness in each bite. Who doesn’t love a bit of gooey chocolate?

Portion and chill the dough

Next, weigh out portions of dough weighing about 3½ ounces (approximately a heaping ⅓ cup). Place four balls on each prepared baking pan, ensuring they’re spaced evenly. Here’s the secret: pop the pans into the freezer for 15 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing those cookies from spreading too much while baking!

Bake to perfection

Finally, place the chilled pan in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are slightly puffed. Here’s a cool trick: about halfway through baking, lift and drop the baking sheet gently onto the oven rack. This helps create those beautiful ridges around the edges. Bake for a total of 16-18 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center.

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. And there you have it! Perfect giant chocolate chip cookies that are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share (or not) – either way, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!

Variations on Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you're craving giant chocolate chip cookies, a little creativity can go a long way! Here are some fun variations to elevate your baking game.

Add-ins for a Flavor Twist

Consider adding ingredients like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to create a unique flavor profile. A sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking can enhance the chocolatey goodness, too. For an adventurous twist, try mixing in caramel bits or toffee for a chewy texture that takes these cookies to the next level.

Alternative Chocolate Options

While bittersweet chocolate is a classic, don’t shy away from experimenting! Use semi-sweet or even white chocolate for a different sweetness. For those who adore dark chocolate, try using 70% cocoa chocolate bars. Each option brings its own rich taste, making your giant chocolate chip cookies stand out.

Your cookie jar will never be the same again! Happy baking!

Baking Tips and Notes for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking giant chocolate chip cookies can feel a bit daunting, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Chill Your Dough: Freezing the dough for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This step prevents excess spreading, resulting in that coveted thick, chewy texture.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality chocolate will elevate your cookies. Consider opting for artisanal chocolate for a richer flavor.
Don’t Skip the Bang: The technique of gently dropping the baking pan helps to create those irresistible crinkly edges—so don’t hold back!

For more insights and variations, explore resources like King Arthur Baking or Bon Appétit for inspiration! Enjoy your baking adventures!

Serving Suggestions for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you whip up a batch of giant chocolate chip cookies, it’s more than just dessert; it’s an experience! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie game:

A La Mode: Serve your cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream combined with the gooey chocolate will create a blissful chocolate chip heaven.
With Milk Alternatives: Pair these giant cookies with ice-cold almond or oat milk for a wholesome, dairy-free touch. Not a fan of milk? Try a rich coffee or a scoop of Irish cream-flavored coffee, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Cookie Sandwiches: Slice cookies in half and fill them with your favorite frosting or a scoop of creamy peanut butter. This treat is two desserts in one and super fun to make!

Just remember, the best way to serve giant chocolate chip cookies is with friends, laughter, and a dash of love. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you're ready to whip up some giant chocolate chip cookies, it’s essential to manage your time effectively. Here's how it breaks down:

Preparation Time

Get ready in about 15 minutes by gathering your ingredients and mixing them up.

Baking Time

Once the dough is ready, baking will take approximately 16 to 18 minutes to achieve that perfect gooey center.

Total Time

From start to finish, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy those delightful giant cookies!

Baking is all about timing, so don’t rush — the best things in life, like these cookies, take just a little patience! For more tips and tricks on mastering cookie recipes, consider checking out resources like Serious Eats or King Arthur Baking.

Nutritional Facts for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

When indulging in giant chocolate chip cookies, it's good to know what you're treating yourself to. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content:

Calories: Each cookie packs around 140 calories, making it a delightful yet reasonable sweet treat.
Protein: You’ll find about 4 grams of protein in each cookie, giving you a little boost.
Sodium: With approximately 255 mg of sodium, these cookies are surprisingly balanced for a dessert!

Keeping track of your cravings and nutritional intake is key for a healthy lifestyle. Check out more about balancing treats and nutrition from the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy night in, knowing the facts can enhance your cookie enjoyment!

FAQs about Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
To keep your giant chocolate chip cookies from spreading too much, make sure to chill the dough. After forming the dough into balls, refrigerate or freeze them for at least 15 minutes before baking. This step is crucial in achieving that delightful thick texture while ensuring they maintain their shape as they bake.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the giant chocolate chip cookie dough for up to three months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer the firm balls into a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready for a cookie fix, bake them straight from the freezer, but add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What’s the best way to store giant chocolate chip cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to maintain that soft texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container—it helps retain moisture! For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies individually wrapped to enjoy later.

Conclusion on Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

In conclusion, giant chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their crispy edges and chewy centers, they offer a perfect balance of texture. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Get ready to indulge!

Remember to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can find more delicious recipes and tips on baking from experts at sites like Serious Eats and King Arthur Baking. Happy baking!