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Why This 5-Star Cookies Recipe Went Viral

Why This 5-Star Cookies Recipe Went Viral

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Browning the Butter (The Game Changer)

    Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly. The butter will melt, then foam, and finally, the milk solids will turn a golden amber color. Actionable Tip: Remove from heat immediately once you smell a nutty aroma and see brown specks. Pour into a heat-proof bowl to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

  2. Step 2: The Sugar Ribbons

    Add both the brown and granulated sugars to the cooled brown butter. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat until the mixture is pale and thick. Why this matters: This aeration creates a “meringue-like” top layer that results in that crinkly, shiny crust everyone loves.

  3. Step 3: Dry Ingredient Integration

    In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Fold this into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stop mixing when a few flour streaks remain. Texture Check: The dough will be softer and oilier than standard cookie dough. This is normal due to the melted fat.

  4. Step 4: The Mix-Ins

    Fold in the chocolate chunks and toffee bits. Ensure they are evenly distributed so every bite has texture.

  5. Step 5: The Chill Factor

    Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This solidifies the fat, ensuring the cookies bake up thick and chewy rather than thin and greasy.

  6. Step 6: Scoop and Bake

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into large balls (approx. 3 tablespoons). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underdone.

  7. Step 7: The Pan-Bang (Viral Technique)

    Immediately after taking the pan out of the oven, lift it 3 inches and drop it flat onto the counter. This collapses the center, creating dense, chewy ripples. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately.