Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something genuinely magical about biting into a fresh-baked batch of Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving a cozy kitchen adventure, this classic treat delivers rich, irresistible flavor with deep pools of dark chocolate and a perfectly chewy center. These cookies are simple enough to whip up on a whim, yet so decadent, they’ll quickly become your signature bake. Get ready to indulge in a chocolate-lover’s dream!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies is how basic pantry staples transform into a show-stopping dessert. Each ingredient has a role, from the creamy butter to the bold chocolate — every element makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Acts as the base for richness and tender crumb — make sure it’s softened for effortless creaming.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings deep caramel notes and a super chewy texture your friends will rave about.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and balances the molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help the cookies puff up just the right amount.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the overall flavor and highlights the chocolatey richness.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while staying tender and light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures just enough lift for soft, slightly thick cookies.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks (1 1/2 cups, 60–70% cacao): The star of the show; go for high-quality chocolate for gooey, melty pockets.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle before baking adds that gourmet bakery touch and balances the rich chocolate.
How to Make Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to guarantee your cookies lift off easily and brown evenly — plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough and ensures every bite of your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies is luxuriously soft.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything is smooth and well-combined — you’ll already smell that delicious, sweet aroma!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick extra step means your leavening agent and salt are perfectly distributed for a uniform bake.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix — just enough so you don’t see streaks of flour. This ensures your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies stay perfectly tender.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate
Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed so you get those gooey chocolate pockets in every cookie. If you’re using chunks, those rustic shards melt into dreamy ribbons throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Sprinkle
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top (if you’re using it) — this is what sets these Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies apart!
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are just a bit soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This sets the chewy texture you’ll love.
How to Serve Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For effortless elegance, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking (or even right after) adds sparkle and a pop of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate once they’ve cooled.
Side Dishes
Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are divine on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mug of hot coffee elevates the experience into absolute dessert bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Package them in a cute bakery box tied with string for a sweet homemade gift, or stack a few and tie them with ribbon for party favors. For gatherings, create a cookies-and-milk bar or pair with espresso shots for guests to dip and savor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, though at my house, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, scoop dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. You can bake cookies directly from frozen — just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time for fresh-from-the-oven treats anytime.
Reheating
Missing that oven-fresh warmth? Briefly pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives the melty chocolate and soft center, making them taste like they were just baked.
FAQs
How can I make the cookies extra chewy?
For ultimate chewiness, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step lets the flavors meld and gives you a denser, moister center — just right for Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I use different kinds of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap dark chocolate chips with chopped bars, bittersweet or even semi-sweet. You can even mix in a few milk or white chocolate chunks for an extra-indulgent twist.
What’s the secret to cookies with crispy edges and soft centers?
It’s all about timing — bake just until the edges are golden and the centers are still a bit soft. They’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool, leaving you with that perfect combination.
Can I make Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Is there a way to cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor?
Try reducing the granulated sugar by up to 2 tablespoons. Using dark chocolate chips also brings a slightly more intense flavor that balances sweetness naturally.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bake up a batch of pure joy, Ultimate Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are the answer. They’re fantastic for sharing, gifting, or sneaking a treat for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear — don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
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 this easy and delicious recipe. These bakery-style cookies are perfectly chewy with pockets of rich dark chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet-salty combination.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chunks (60–70% cacao)
Topping:
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add chocolate: Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- Bake: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra-chewy texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap dark chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate bars for richer flavor pockets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
