Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A warm, gooey cookie experience awaits you with the Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. With a rich cocoa base and loaded with semisweet chocolate chunks, they deliver an unforgettable taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether served at parties or enjoyed with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate creates an indulgent taste that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results every time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—be it birthdays, holidays, or just as a sweet snack.
• Large Batch: This recipe yields about 40 cookies, making it great for sharing or storing for later.
• Chewy Texture: The unique blend of ingredients ensures that each cookie is soft and chewy, with a delightful bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream butter and sugars together quickly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy surface to bake your cookies evenly without sticking.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ lb unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
• ⅔ cup good unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 ½ lbs semisweet chocolate chunks

How to Make Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Add the vanilla extract, mixing well. Then incorporate the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.

Step 4: Mix in Cocoa Powder

Once combined, add the cocoa powder. Mix until it’s well incorporated into the batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Drop scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, flattening them slightly. Bake for exactly 15 minutes. Allow cooling on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!

How to Serve Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or gifting to a friend, there are many delightful ways to serve these cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s rich chocolate flavor. Choose whole milk for a creamy experience or almond milk for a nutty twist.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Place two cookies around your favorite ice cream for a decadent treat. Vanilla bean or mint chocolate chip work wonderfully!

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them straight from the oven for an irresistible gooey texture. Just let them cool slightly before digging in.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For an elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This adds sweetness and makes the cookies visually stunning.

With Fresh Berries

• Pairing these cookies with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies with other desserts such as brownies and fruit tarts for a varied dessert spread at gatherings.

How to Perfect Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

To elevate your baking skills, consider these helpful tips for making the best double chocolate chip cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and better cookie texture.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Use the scoop-and-level method for precision.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.

• Don’t Overbake: Aim to take them out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These side dishes complement your double chocolate chip cookies perfectly, adding variety and delight to your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess pairs well with chocolate.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun dipping station with fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels alongside warm double chocolate chip cookies.

4. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the chocolate and provides a nice contrast.

5. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and complements the cookie’s texture without overpowering it.

6. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream is a classic accompaniment that pairs beautifully with warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can elevate your baking game. Here are some common pitfalls when making the Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can prevent the cookies from becoming fluffy. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine ingredients until just incorporated to keep them chewy and tender.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly. Don’t rush this step, or you may end up with a crumbly mess.
• Baking on unprepared sheets: Baking directly on an ungreased sheet can cause sticking. Always line your sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container.

Reheating Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Warm individually for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:

How do I make the cookies chewier?

To enhance chewiness, consider adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the baking time slightly.

Can I substitute cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a different flavor profile, though it may alter the cookie’s color.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a decadent treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving!