Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that every cookie lover should experience. With their rich chocolatey taste and chewy texture, these cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness that hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, hosting a gathering, or wanting something sweet to share, these cookies will surely impress.
Why We Love This Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
The Ghirardelli brand is synonymous with quality chocolate, and that’s exactly what you get with these cookies. Each bite bursts with gooey chocolate chips, creating a satisfying experience that is hard to forget. This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for both novice and experienced bakers to whip up a batch in no time. It’s a great way to indulge yourself or treat family and friends alike. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home as they bake is simply irresistible!
Ingredients about Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
To create these scrumptious cookies, you will need a few staple ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup (222g) salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (173g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (185g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups (342g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400g) Ghirardelli chocolate chips (semi-sweet preferred)
How to Make Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions
Making Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful process that comes together in simple steps. Here’s how you can make them in your own kitchen.
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial first step, as it ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for an easy cleanup afterward.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in Vanilla and Eggs: Add in the vanilla extract and the two large eggs. Mix everything together until it is well-combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the Ghirardelli chocolate chips with a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The gooey, melty chocolate will be a highlight of each cookie.
- Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each scoop; the cookies will spread while baking.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers remain a bit soft. This ensures a chewy texture once they cool.
- Cool: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack where they will cool completely.
- Serve: These cookies can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
How to Serve Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great ideas to make your cookies even more enjoyable:
- Classic Pairing: Serve the cookies fresh out of the oven with a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the richness of the chocolate, creating a perfect balance.
- À La Mode: For a truly indulgent treat, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie. The contrast of hot and cold, paired with the sweet chocolate, creates a heavenly dessert.
- Gift Wrap: If you’re looking to share the joy, consider packaging a few cookies in a decorative box or tin. This makes for a delightful gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
- Weekend Treat: Set up a cookie bar during your next gathering. Provide various toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, or additional chocolate chips for people to customize their cookies.
Expert Tips: Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfect every time, consider these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures that the ingredients mix well together.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them from the oven while they are still slightly undercooked in the center ensures they remain soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before scooping can enhance the flavor and help the cookies retain their shape while baking.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, using Ghirardelli chocolate chips will make a noticeable difference in taste and texture. The quality of chocolate contributes significantly to the overall experience.
How to Store Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies properly will help keep them fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
- Refrigerate: If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating the cookies. They can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze your cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the classic recipe is delightful, there are several variations you can explore to keep things exciting:
- Nutty Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the chocolate.
- Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. This will give you a rich double chocolate chip cookie that’s even more decadent.
- Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough. This adds a wholesome texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: Before baking, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt on top of the cookie dough. The salty sweetness balances the flavors beautifully.
FAQ about Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The use of Ghirardelli chocolate chips adds a rich and luxurious flavor that elevates these cookies above the standard chocolate chip cookie. Ghirardelli is known for its high-quality chocolate, which enhances the overall taste.
How do I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
To maintain a chewy texture, remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for future baking sessions.
What happens if I overmix the cookie dough?
Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. To avoid this, mix until just combined, and be gentle when folding in the chocolate chips.
Can I substitute other types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer. Keep in mind that the overall taste and sweetness may vary based on the type of chocolate used.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Ghirardelli chocolate chips Semi-sweet preferred
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add vanilla extract and eggs; mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop.
Baking
- Bake cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are soft.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or at room temperature.
- For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Package cookies in a decorative box for gifting.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!