Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Place the butter, brown sugar and granulated / caster sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the bowl halfway through, until creamy and slightly lightened rather than very fluffy.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating on medium-low speed for about 30 seconds after each addition. Beat in the vanilla, then scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Whisk the flour, baking soda / bicarbonate of soda and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until a few streaks of flour remain, about 20–30 seconds.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Fold in the chocolate chips with a sturdy spatula, stopping as soon as the flour disappears and the chips are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until the dough is firmer and easy to scoop.

5. 5

   Step 5

   While the dough chills, heat the oven to 350°F (180°C / Gas 4), with a rack in the center. Line two 13 x 18-inch (33 x 46 cm) baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Divide the dough into 24 portions, approximately 3 tablespoons (54 g) each, and gently shape into tall, rounded mounds without flattening. Arrange 12 on one prepared sheet, leaving at least 2 inches (5 cm) between them, and keep the remaining dough refrigerated.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Bake one sheet at a time for 11–13 minutes, rotating the sheet after 8 minutes if your oven browns unevenly. The edges should be golden and set, while the centers should look soft and slightly puffed but no longer wet; they will firm as they cool.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack with a wide spatula. Portion the remaining chilled dough onto the second sheet and bake and cool in the same way, allowing the cookies at least another 10 minutes on the rack before serving.