Description
Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1 cup milk chocolate chunks
1 cup white chocolate chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate chunks.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. Start by ensuring your butter is truly softened to room temperature; this is crucial for proper creaming. Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugars for a full 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a lighter texture. When adding the dry ingredients, mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. Over-mixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Use a sturdy spatula to fold in the chocolate chunks, ensuring even distribution. For consistently sized cookies, use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons).
Serving Suggestions
These decadent cookies are fantastic served warm with a cold glass of milk. For a dessert platter, pair them with vanilla bean ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse. Crumble a cookie over a bowl of coffee ice cream for an affogato-style treat. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cream softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Whisk dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet mixture. Fold in three types of chocolate chunks. Scoop onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden-edged. Cool briefly on the sheet before moving to a rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks? Yes, but chunks create larger, gooier pockets of chocolate. Chips are designed to hold their shape.
How do I store these cookies to keep them soft? Store in an airtight container at room temperature with a piece of bread. The bread’s moisture will keep the cookies soft.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? This usually means your butter was too warm or your dough wasn’t chilled. For less spread, chill the shaped dough balls for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these without a mixer? Yes, but it requires elbow grease. Ensure the butter is very soft and cream it vigorously with a wooden spoon before adding the sugars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or cold butter, which drastically alters texture and spread.
- Over-measuring flour. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off; don’t scoop.
- Over-baking. Cookies continue to cook on the hot sheet. Remove them when the edges are just set.
- Using hot baking sheets. Always allow sheets to cool between batches.
- Stirring the dough after adding the chocolate chunks, which can break them down.
Conclusion
Mastering these Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies is about precision in technique—proper creaming, careful mixing, and mindful baking. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll produce a consistently impressive, bakery-quality cookie. The combination of three chocolates offers a perfect balance of richness in every bite, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Happy baking!