Introduction
Jacques Torres’ chocolate chip cookies have achieved legendary status among dessert enthusiasts for their exceptional flavor and impeccable texture. Renowned for their rich, buttery taste, these cookies boast a delightful balance of chewy and crispy qualities that make every bite a pleasure. The carefully curated recipe allows both novice and experienced bakers to create their own batch of these delectable treats.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8½ ounces) cake flour
1⅔ cups (8½ ounces) bread flour
1¼ teaspoons baking soda
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons coarse salt
2½ sticks (1¼ cups) unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1¼ pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60% cacao content
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Prep Time
24 to 36 hours (for chilling the dough)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
Total Time: 24 to 36 hours (including chilling)
Yield: Approximately 12 cookies (depending on portion size)
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is very light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, about 5 to 10 seconds.
Add Chocolate
Gently fold in the bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them.
Chill Dough
Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. This resting period enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
Portion Dough
Scoop six 3½-ounce mounds of dough (about the size of generous golf balls) onto the prepared baking sheet. For a more attractive appearance, turn any chocolate pieces that are poking up so they lie horizontally.
Bake
Sprinkle each mound lightly with sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are golden brown but still soft, approximately 18 to 20 minutes.
Cool
Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the cookies cool for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies directly onto the wire rack to cool further.
Repeat
Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough, or refrigerate the dough for baking subsequent batches within the next day or two.
Notes
Resting Period
Allowing the dough to rest enhances the depth of flavor and texture, making the cookies taste even better.
Chocolate Quality
Using bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao content will provide a rich and intense chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For the best experience, enjoy these cookies warm; the chocolate will be melty and the texture will be at its best.
Cook Techniques
Combining Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse salt to ensure an even distribution and a lighter texture in the cookies.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Beat softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ texture.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in natural vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
When adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture, reduce the mixer speed to low and mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Folding in Chocolate
Gently fold in bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves to ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them, maintaining their shape and size.
Chilling the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for 24 to 36 hours to enhance flavor and texture. This resting period allows for the development of richer flavors.
Portioning the Dough
Use a scoop to create uniform mounds of dough, ensuring each cookie bakes evenly. Adjust the chocolate pieces to create an appealing appearance.
Baking the Cookies
Sprinkle cookies lightly with sea salt before baking. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, ensuring they remain soft in the center.
Cooling the Cookies
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their texture.
FAQ
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake and bread flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, the specified flours enhance the texture and flavor of the cookies.
What happens if I don’t chill the dough?
Not chilling the dough may result in cookies that spread too much and lack the developed flavors from resting.
Can I substitute the bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor will be sweeter, and the overall taste profile of the cookie will change.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer preservation.
Can I bake these cookies from frozen dough?
Yes, you can bake frozen dough, but increase the baking time by a couple of minutes.
Conclusion
The chocolate chip cookies inspired by Jacques Torres showcase the perfect balance of rich flavors and delightful textures. With a careful selection of high-quality ingredients and the essential resting period for the dough, these cookies emerge with a golden exterior and a soft, gooey center. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches
Combine two warm cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delightful chocolate chip cookie sandwich, creating a perfect dessert that is both crunchy and creamy.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts, into the dough for an added crunch and depth of flavor that complements the chocolate.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add dollops of salted caramel sauce to the dough before baking for a rich, gooey surprise that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet chocolate.
White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies
Swap out the bittersweet chocolate for white chocolate and add dried cranberries to the dough for a festive and fruity twist on the classic cookie.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mix in pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough for a seasonal variation that adds warmth and a unique flavor to your chocolate chip cookies.
