Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
There’s something inherently delightful about a giant chocolate chip cookie. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, the warm, gooey center, and the delightful crunch of the edges. This Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). It combines the classic flavors we all adore and takes them to a whole new level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cookie will undoubtedly steal the show.
Top Reasons to Make Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Sharing is Caring: This cookie is perfect for gatherings and parties. Slice it up and share the love!
- Customization: You can easily modify this recipe to include your favorite mix-ins.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Nothing beats the classic combination of chocolate and cookie dough, especially when it’s in giant form!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 cup butter, softened: This is the base of your cookie, providing moisture and richness. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a crisp edge.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aromatic quality.
- 2 eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s chewy texture.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, providing the structure you need.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie rise and gives it a light texture.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate chips for that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds a sweet contrast to the semisweet chocolate and a creamy texture.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Optional, but they bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookie.
Hardware & Gadgets
- Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing the wet ingredients and a medium bowl for the dry ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is ideal for catching any overflow.
- Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula works well for folding in the chocolate chips and nuts.
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie in Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In your mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use your mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated during this step will help give your cookie a tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cookie.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie
Transfer the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet. Use your hands to shape it into a large disc, about 1 inch thick. You can make it as big as you like, but remember that it will spread while baking!
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. You want that perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookie from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate melty chocolate experience.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with a plant-based butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds for crunch.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and opt for dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not using room temperature ingredients can lead to an unevenly mixed batter.
- Overmixing the dough can result in a tough cookie.
- Not measuring flour correctly; spoon and level for accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to a cookie that falls apart.
Save It for Later
The Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie can be stored for a few days at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Slice the cookie and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds!
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite chocolate chips. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips can be delicious alternatives.
Why is my cookie flat?
A flat cookie can be caused by too much butter or not enough flour. Ensure your measurements are precise, and also check that your baking soda is fresh!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Dried fruits, coconut flakes, or even peanut butter chips can add unique flavors and textures to your cookie.
How do I know when the cookie is done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center will look slightly underbaked. Remember, the cookie will continue to cook as it cools!
Don’t Miss These
- Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bring It Home
The Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie is not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s that nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings. The joy of pulling a giant cookie out of the oven, watching it melt into a gooey masterpiece, and sharing it with loved ones is unparalleled. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a cookie that will undoubtedly be the highlight of your dessert table. Whether you keep it all to yourself or share the love, this cookie is bound to bring smiles and satisfaction. Happy baking!
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In your mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Transfer the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet and shape it into a large disc, about 1 inch thick.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.
- Let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days.
