The best chocolate chip cookies are the ones that are right in front of you. However if I have a choice, this cookie, filled with 14 oz of chocolate and just 7 ingredients, is hands down my go to chocolate chip cookie!
I prefer cookies over cake. With that being said, let's have it be known that the best chocolate chip cookies are those that are overloaded with chocolate, have a chewy caramel taste, and hints of vanilla and salt. At least in my opinion.
Yes, I know there are cookie lovers that want cookies to be more like cake. Others want a soft cookie and some prefer them crisp. I'm not going to try to convince you that this is the best chocolate chip cookies recipe on the planet. You will just have to find out for yourself.
The best chocolate chip cookies are only made with brown sugar. They require melted butter. And horrors...the dough must be chilled overnight. I said these were the best chocolate chip cookies ever, so you have to believe me when I tell you that the overnight stay in the fridge makes this cookie dough so worth it.
Not to mention the 14 ounces of chocolate that is needed to send these chocolate chip cookie over the top. I love Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips, but when I'm feeling the need for chopping and taking out aggression, I do love destroying a giant dark chocolate bar from Trader Joes. And yes... I do weigh the chocolate.
How long should you chill cookie dough before baking?
Chilling the cookie dough solidifies the butter. As you bake the cookie, the butter takes longer to melt and keeps the cookie from spreading. With no leavening in this cookie, this is one way to keep them puffy!
Cooling the dough makes a tastier and chewier cookie. This also gives the flour in the cookie dough more time to hydrate which also adds to a chewier cookie. Chilling also adds flavor as the carbohydrates in the flour, break down into sugar and creates a more mellow and better flavored cookie. I know. To much information. But trust me. Just chill the dough!
I prefer leaving the cookie dough in the fridge overnight. Sometimes I even leave it longer. If you can't wait that long, even a few hours of chilling is better than none. I shape the dough into a rectangle about 1 ½" high and about 12" long and 10" wide.
As the cookie dough chills it becomes hard as a rock. It often takes a few hours at room temperature to get a chef's knife into it, so that the dough can be sliced into chunks. Slice the rectangle into 1 and ½" strips and then cut those into 1 to 2" chunks. Using my hands I then shape the chunks into balls and place them on a parchment or Silpat lined cookie sheet.
Just 7 ingredients are in my best chocolate chip cookies recipe. No white sugar. Just brown and I prefer dark, but use light if you must. No baking soda or baking powder in this cookie, so no worries at any altitude.
These cookies are dense, but in a good way! Don't forget the salt. I love the dimension that salt gives to a good cookie. Additionally, these cookies bake at 400 degrees and I'm not sure I've seen too many cookies bake at that temperature.
I can make any season cookie season, but Fall is perfect for eating cookies. Cookies make the house smell so good and my best chocolate chip cookie recipe always makes Manservant happy. Well, any cookie recipe makes Manservant happy!
This is an updated post from 2016.
It is with not great clarity that I relate to you the events of last night. No, it wasn't me that over imbibed the very drinkable My Essential Rose or the 3 tequila cocktails accompanied with a splash of tequila or mezcal on the side; just so you'd know what each component tasted like straight. Then there was the mezcal sipper for the finale of the meal, one that isn't even sold in stores and is the creator's special invention; dare I say? If I can still count, that is at least 5 drinks in the space of 4 ½ hours with an alcohol content greater than my age. Well, maybe. I must say this put Manservant in rare form, such that I haven't seen since college. I was awake until 1:45, after trying to sleep next to a dead lump in the sheets who snored with energetic, focused precision. At least I knew he was still alive.
Lately it seems I've been eating and drinking and relating a lot about dinners in Denver. Most of these I've been invited to, much to my delight, but this was one that we paid to attend. We paid to eat and drink and in my case be entertained, and even a bit perturbed, by my adoring husband. I knew I should have sent him alone accompanied by an Uber escort, but truth is I love dinners like this. I love hearing the stories behind the scenes and seeing chefs step out of their comfort zone and hearing how dreams becomes reality.
Yeah, I'm a bit strange that way, but the truth is I just love to hear other people tell a story. Certainly it was a night of tall tales and slurred words and napkins dropping and glasses clinking. It was a night where we probably raised the average age by 10 years, but hey, I'll always be young at heart. Manservant adores tequila and mezcal and I knew this would be an occasion he would want to partake. Now I'm not sure how much he will remember, but at least he made a trip to our favorite liquor store, for shall we say-souvenirs?
We made the trip from our house in the 'burbs to The Source in Denver -one of my favorite spots to just hang. This is the place where-if they are open and not sold out, I buy my favorite chocolate cookie. (Alas, it is no longer there!)
This is also the place that houses our favorite liquor store. And last but not least, it is also the home to one of our favorite taco places. Lots of favorites here. So when I read that Richard Betts was gallantly presenting his tequila, mezcal and rose, I knew we couldn't miss it. And yes, I do try to take advantage of the fact that right now Manservant isn't travelling, which could change at the drop of a hat.
Richard Betts is the former master sommelier at the Little Nell in Aspen; whom we may have even ordered from, way back in the days when we had cash to spare; who passed his master sommelier exam on the first try-one of just a few to do that. There are, I believe less than 200 master sommeliers in all the world and my boy, Alex Odie San China Boy was well aware of who Richard was when I mentioned the dinner we were attending.
Richard has gone on to now produce his own wine, tequila and mezcal. What a life! And what a gracious man-boy-charming genius! (Yes, I was smitten!) He's even written a New York Times best seller, scratch and sniff book for adults, "The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming A Wine Expert/Take a Whiff of That!" and also one on scotch, both available on Amazon.
I fell in love with My Essential Rose and thank goodness that was one-actually two of the souvenirs that my manservant purchased. He also scored a bottle of Sombra Mezcal-Everyone has a dark side - and a few other things he felt our bar was lacking. Richard makes things that he wants to drink, which makes sense to me.
The Rose described in his words, "is a pale pink wine that smells like red fruits and flowers yet is crisp, dry and ultra refreshing. One glass invites another, a wine that can very quickly become a bottle for one. Cheers." Definitely agree with that! Surely two bottles will not be enough to see me through summer!
The Astral tequila is rich with floral, sultry flavors and a spicy finish. I tend to use my tequila in cocktails, where as Manservant likes them fairly straight up. This would be perfect either way, but I'd love to try it in place of gin, in some of my favorite drinks.
Mezcal is not really my drink of choice, as I believe that smoke should be reserved for BBQ and campfires and other things that are now legal in Colorado. Manservant however loves mezcal. I think if it had legs he would marry it. He loved this Sombra mezcal that loved him too well.
As you can tell this was a dinner, focused on drinks. The chefs at Comida, (one of our favored taco places) stepped out of the comfort zone and supplied us with some creative bites. The ceviche, though it had some technical difficulties, was gorgeous and the flavor was bright.
Goat tacos were served family style, and were a first for me. To my surprise I found goat quite good, but it was the alcohol coursing through my veins that surely made me more courageous than usual.
But not as courageous as Ramey Rossello, the owner of Comida, (boy, would I love to talk with her more) who made sure our goat was freshly procured. The staff at Comida really outdid themselves and made us feel like a part of the family (thank you Matthew and Valerie) in a very short time. Not many places achieve that, but they did.
And the drinks? They were sourced from the Rino Yacht Club. I need a membership here! Each drink had at least 6 components and were some of the most balanced cocktails I've had; not an easy thing to do for a large group of people. I can only imagine what fun they had creating them. I think the liquor was sourced from The Proper Pour-a boutique wine and spirits store-remember-and Manservant talked the owner, McLain's ear off. And he took it well.Well enough that he invited Manservant back to tip a few more any time! Which of course made Manservant very happy. A toast to McLain!
And then we went home carefully, where Manservant had pleasant dreams. Then he woke up and felt a little-hmmmm, well he was feeling a little of his dark side-the side in the shadow-the side in the Sombra, and he needed something to soak a bit of it up. Enter the best chocolate chip cookie after a night of drinking rose, tequila and mezcal with Richard Betts.
Notes: You may notice that there is no leavening in this cookie which makes it perfect for high altitudes. Actually, this is the perfect cookie for any altitude. My best chocolate chip cookie recipe also bakes at a high temperature which keeps them baked on the outside and chewy and soft on the inside. This is my go to cc cookie!
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More food good for munching after a night of drinking with Richard Betts:
Recipe

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12-15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
The best chocolate chip cookies are the ones that are right in front of you. However if I have a choice, this cookie, filled with 14 oz of chocolate and just 7 ingredients, is hands down my go to chocolate chip cookie! Just don't forget to chill before baking!
Ingredients
2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and somewhat cooled
1 ¼ c packed dark brown sugar
2 t vanilla
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 c flour
1 t kosher salt
14 oz dark or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Combine melted butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a free standing mixer.
- Beat until mixture is thick and well mixed and looks a bit like peanut butter.
- Add vanilla and egg plus yolk. Beat well.
- Slowly add flour and salt. Add chocolate. Do not skimp!
- Chill a minimum of 6 hours and up to 3 days. I prefer to make the dough one day and bake the next.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400. Scoop mixture into balls about the size of a tablespoon.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes. I usually average about 12 minutes. They should be golden brown around the edges, but not too golden, unless you want a crisp cookie. If you like a chewy cookie always err on the lower time. They may not look done but generally cookie dough still bakes for 1-2 minutes after you take them out of the oven.
angiesrecipes says
These are definitely a perfect cure for hangover :-))
Abbe Odenwalder says
God, Angie. They make a hangover so worth it!
Healthy World Cuisine says
These chocolate cookies look like the best darn cookie ever! That close up shot is torturing us! Send a dozen or two our way please.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I'd be happy too. However they might arrive stale. Though I have sent them to China, courtesy of other's suitcases!
sippitysup says
CC cookies are ALWAYS the best. And of course I love mescal. Fun. GREG
Abbe Odenwalder says
You know it Greg! Hard to decide which Manservant likes more!
Ros @ ZenHealth says
Chocolate chip cookies are my happy place. Will definitely try this recipe 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do Ros! We are in agreement on happy places!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I can never get enough cookies. Much better than cake -- agree. And chocolate chip is the best of the best. 🙂
shell harris says
I just made a batch of these but I added 1 tsp of all spice. Sooooo amazing!!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Love allspice Shell! Check out my maple pecan cream cheese pound cake. That has allspice, too! No chocolate, but I still love this one, too! Thanks for commenting. Makes my day!
Gerlinde de Broekert says
I just made your cookies and they were a big hit with my five German visitors. I added walnuts and some dried sour cherries.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Two sticks is 16 tablespoons or 8 ounces. Thanks for asking!Hope that helps.
Ee Wern says
Hi! How much is 2 sticks of butter? 🙂
Anna says
My daughter enjoys eating cookies. Thank your recipe! I will try do the same one for her.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Anna. Let me know how they turn out. These are so good and chocolatey!
Haley says
This is hilarious! I love it. Tequila is actually my drink of choice and chocolate chip cookies are my go-to dessert!
Abbe Odenwalder says
And it was Haley! oh yes, it was! But memorable, at least for some of us!
Katerina says
The cookies are awesome and I can see you had a blast!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well said, Katerina!
Balvinder Ubi says
Hi Abbe, it sounds like you had an amazing time drinking tequila with your husband and Richard Betts and then making cookies. They totally look delicious!
Abbe Odenwalder says
These are my very favorite cookie! And if you met Richard Betts, he'd become a favorite, too!
Juliana says
Abbe, indeed these chocolate chips cookies look fabulous and so inviting...I am glad that you all had a great time.
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Juliana! Never can go wrong with cc cookies!
Pam says
Sounds like great fun! Tequila definitely makes everything better! We need to visit our Denver friends soon. Have a great rest of the week.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Comida is a fun place! You will love it and give me a call if you come!
shannon weber says
when i see the words "the best chocolate chip cookies," i have to try them for myself, right? I do...and i will. Sounds like such a fun night! Minus the dead lump of snoring (which i am familiar with, thanks to evenings out with my own snore-lump), but i agree - at least you know they're still alive. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Love this recipe! Snore Lump-great name!
Tricia Buice says
What fun you have! And the cookies look amazing 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Great time Tricia. Manservant was in rare form!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Sounds like a good time was had by all. And oh those cookies, yum!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Sounds like a good time was had by all. And oh those cookies, yum!
Abbe Odenwalder says
More than a good time! And you are right about the cookies!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
What fun to have a night like that with your husband! Not a big fan of tequila, except in margaritas 🙂 I love a good chocolate chip cookie and these do look wonderful - not flat as a pancake like some recipes.
Libby Weiner says
Didn't know my daughter imbibed ! Will try the cookies as Dad loves choc. chip.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Susan! These aren't flat and they contain no leavening! Really, Mom? Dad would like these!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Susan! These aren't flat and they contain no leavening! Really, Mom? Dad would like these!
La Table De Nana says
I like wine..but nothing stronger....
you do tell a great story..curious a to how he term Manservant came about:)?
The cookies look fab!
Abbe Odenwalder says
This is how Manservant got his name. He actually gave it to himself! This is when it first appeared. ww.thisishowicook.com/2013/09/corn-bread-blueberry-bread-pudding-or.html My father thinks it is an awful name, but it works!
Lea Ann (Cooking on the Ranch) says
What a fabulous evening! I need to get to the Source. Can't believe I've not taken the time to go.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Let me know when you want to go! It is a lot of fun!
Angie Schneider says
Looks like you had a great evening! These chocolate cookies look fantastic!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Angie! Nice to get out now and then!
Kitchen Riffs says
Goat is wonderful. isn't it? Like it better than lamb, although I don't have it nearly as much as lamb. Anyway, sounds like you had a wonderful time! I'm always craving something sweet after a night like that, so these cookies are perfect. Really fun read -- thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
The goat was great! And I am always craving sweet=any time-!
Liz Berg says
Sounds like a blast!!! And your recap is hilarious! I think chocolate chip cookies were the perfect "late night" remedy 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
One can never have too many cookies, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner or even after a hangover!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, well it certainly seems that you had a wonderful night, especially the Manservant. Always look forward to your posts, the way you relay events as they happen is always interesting, “a great read”. I think we should always keep our fun hats on.
These cookies look amazing, chocolate chip is my favorite. Have a wonderful week-end.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Cheri-means a lot! Always keep our fun hats on...I like that! Love cc cookies!
Sharon D says
I so enjoyed reading about your night, Abbe (more! more!) and the chocolate chip cookies look to-die-for! ^.^
Abbe Odenwalder says
The cookies are to die for and what a night, Sharon!