Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect homemade treat, these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new kitchen staple. Imagine buttery, golden edges and gooey dark chocolate chunks in every bite, with just the right balance of chew and crunch. These cookies were made for sharing with friends, dunking in cold milk, or stealing a quiet moment of bliss all to yourself. If you love a bakery-style cookie—or just believe that desserts should always be a little extra—this is the recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is wonderfully simple, but each one is a vital player in creating that iconic cookie texture and irresistible flavor. With a few pantry staples and some show-stopping dark chocolate, you’re about to bake up the best Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies ever.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature, softened butter for perfectly creamy, rich dough that bakes into golden edges.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramelly sweetness for that signature chewy bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create those lightly crisped cookie tops.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and add richness—always use room temperature eggs for best mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip it! This intensifies the flavor and gives your cookies that signature bakery aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough; sift or fluff before measuring for accurate results.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies puff and spread just enough for soft centers.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors (especially the chocolate!).
- Dark Chocolate Chips or Chunks (60–70% cocoa): The star—choose high-quality chocolate for pockets of rich, melty intensity in every bite.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Add crunch and a lovely toasty flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
How to Make Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this guarantees easy cleanup and perfect cookies every time. Taking a couple minutes for this setup sets the stage for baking success!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy mixture—this step is all about adding air to the dough for that delicate texture. Don’t rush it: creaming well is the secret to cookies with crisp edges and soft centers.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain that creaminess. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat until combined. You’ll immediately smell that amazing cookie-shop aroma wafting from your bowl—these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are already off to a stellar start!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated—overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, and you want the dough to stay tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks, and chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. Make sure the goodies are evenly distributed, so every cookie gets a generous share of chocolate (and crunch, if desired!).
Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Using heaping tablespoons or a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie—these beauties will spread and you want space for those delicious crisped edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, watching closely. As soon as the edges are golden and the centers look just set, pull them out—don’t overbake. For extra gooey centers, take them out a minute early. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Warning: resisting a warm cookie at this point is almost impossible!
How to Serve Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For that irresistible bakery finish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right out of the oven. If you’re feeling festive, try a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair—the rich flavor of these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies shines through, no matter what!
Side Dishes
Nothing complements cookies like an ice-cold glass of milk, but don’t stop there. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, or pair alongside fresh berries for a playful, indulgent dessert plate. They also make a stellar addition to any brunch spread—trust me, they steal the show every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies into the centerpiece by stacking them on a rustic cake stand, or package them in cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon for gifting. For parties, create ice cream sandwiches or cookie dessert platters—they disappear in minutes, and everyone will ask for your secret recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistibly fresh, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long! Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain extra softness.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and as dough. For baked cookies, cool completely and layer between parchment in a zip-top bag for up to three months. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a tray before storing. That way, you can have fresh Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime the craving strikes—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two.
Reheating
For that “just baked” magic, pop leftover cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive the gooey centers. Warm cookies bring out the aroma and melt the chocolate all over again—like a bakery right in your own kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use semisweet or milk chocolate instead of dark?
Absolutely! While the rich, bittersweet flavor truly defines these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, feel free to substitute with semisweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a gentler sweetness. Or mix and match your favorites for a chocolate lover’s dream.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional, but it’s a classic trick for thicker, chewier cookies that don’t spread too much. Letting the dough chill for even 30 minutes makes a difference in texture and depth of flavor in your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes! Swap the regular flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking blend. The cookies will still turn out incredibly delicious as long as your flour behaves similarly to all-purpose.
What’s the best way to get that gooey center?
Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden and the centers still look a little underdone. They’ll set as they cool, creating that melt-in-your-mouth middle that everyone adores in Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely—these cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers. Just be sure to use two bowls and rotate your baking sheets between oven racks for even baking every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in so many hearts (and cookie jars). Give them a try—share with someone special, or savor a warm one all to yourself. Happy baking!
Print
Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dark chocolate chip cookies with a soft and gooey center, loaded with rich dark chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts. These bakery-style cookies are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chunks (60–70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, fold in dark chocolate chips and nuts. Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra gooey centers, underbake by 1 minute.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading.
- You can swap dark chocolate for bittersweet or semisweet if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
