Perfectly Puffy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Biting into a perfectly warm chocolate chip cookie is perhaps one of the greatest pleasures in life. Warm, melty chocolate encased in simply sweet dough… what’s not to love? Many of us have fond memories of recreating the recipe from that iconic yellow bag. Chocolate chip cookies are universally adored, a classic treat that nonetheless sparks debate: which version is the best?

There are three main camps when it comes to chocolate chip cookies: thin and crispy, chewy, and last but not least, puffy and cakey. This recipe is for those who crave the puffy, cakey variety. These cookies are delightful mounds of cakey goodness. Even if you’re typically a fan of a crispier cookie, we’re confident you’ll find something to love here.

The secret to achieving perfectly puffy cookies lies in a few key tricks. While butter is usually our go-to, using shortening instead helps create puffiness, as it melts at a higher temperature than butter. This allows the batter to rise before spreading. Opting for cake flour over all-purpose flour is another clever move. Cake flour absorbs less liquid and generates steam, aiding in the cookie’s rise as it bakes. Meanwhile, baking soda, preferred over baking powder, results in a more acidic batter, helping it set up quickly and spread less.

If you’re aiming for truly puffy cookies, don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. Cold dough spreads more slowly in the oven, providing yet another opportunity for the cookie to rise before setting. Simply chill the entire bowl of dough in the fridge for about an hour before scooping it out to bake. These steps aren’t particularly complex, but together they ensure you’ll bake the most perfectly puffy chocolate chip cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you cookies that are soft, cakey, and bursting with chocolate chips. The texture is perfect for those who love a cookie that’s more like a little cake, with a tender crumb and a satisfying bite. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses readily available ingredients.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter-flavored shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, salt, and baking soda, then set aside.
4. Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually incorporate the flour mixture until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour.
7. Once chilled, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for about 13 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and puffy, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.
9. Enjoy your puffy chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent excessive spreading.
• Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a nutty twist, add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for varied flavors.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 200 | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Using butter will result in a flatter, chewier cookie. If you prefer the buttery flavor, you can substitute, but the texture will differ.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the puffy texture, so we highly recommend not skipping this step.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and savoring these perfectly puffy chocolate chip cookies as much as we do! They’re a delightful twist on a classic, and we invite you to try them out and let us know how they turn out. Share your baking adventures in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy baking!