If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey giant chocolate chip cookie that melts in your mouth, you’re in the right place! These Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you love about classic cookies but taken to a deliciously mammoth level. Imagine a crispy golden edge, a soft and chewy center, and chocolate chunks that are just oozing with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a school event, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your cookie game!
Why You’ll Love This Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies aren’t just big; they’re extraordinary! Here’s what makes them special:
- Quick and Easy: A simple recipe that doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment.
- Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to baking, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results!
- Family-Friendly: These cookies will satisfy both kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
- Versatile: Customize them with mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: Giant cookies look great on any plate, making them a delightful treat to serve at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your choice)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the salt in the recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right texture. If you want to experiment, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
- Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet is classic, feel free to mix things up with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies Step-By-Step
Follow these easy steps to create your giant cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Pro Tip: Preheating your oven is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture! - Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Pro Tip: Sifting the flour can further ensure the mixture is light and free of lumps. - Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture! - Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until well combined.
Pro Tip: Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well. - Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold in the last bit of flour gently. - Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips and mix until they’re evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for a beautiful presentation. - Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart.
Pro Tip: For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. - Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underbaked.
Pro Tip: Cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t over bake!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delightful ways to serve your Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Perfect Pairings
- Milk: A classic choice! Serve with cold milk for a comforting treat.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a tasty boost.
Occasions
- Dessert for a BBQ: Bring these cookies to your next backyard barbecue for a sweet finishing touch.
- Birthday Parties: Giant cookies cut into wedges are a fun, shareable option for celebrations.
Presentation Tips
- Stack them high on a platter and garnish with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for an appealing look.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
Refrigerator
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer
- Packaging: For long-term storage, place cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Best Method: Microwave cookies for about 10-15 seconds or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their warmth and gooey texture.
Tips for Success
- Do Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps with even mixing and the right texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to ensure a tender cookie.
- Do Experiment with Add-ins: Get creative with different types of chocolate or add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough can enhance the flavor and texture.
- Do Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different; check your cookies a couple of minutes early!
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter.
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a wonderful crunch.
- Melted Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving for an extra decadent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Q: My cookies came out flat, what did I do wrong?
A: Flat cookies typically result from using warm butter or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure your flour correctly.
Q: What type of chocolate chips should I use?
A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a mix for variety!
Q: Can I add other flavors?
A: Definitely! You can incorporate extracts like almond or coconut, and consider mixing in different types of chips, like butterscotch or peanut butter.
Q: How do I know when my cookies are done?
A: Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.
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Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients Â
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour All-purpose flour provides the right texture. Can use gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt Use less if using salted butter.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Preferred for better control over salt.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed Provides moisture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for best results.
Chocolate
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your choice) Can mix types for different flavors.
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Use a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart.
Baking
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underbaked.