Description
Chocolate Chip Butter Lace Cookies
Soft, buttery, and loaded with chocolate chips—your new favorite cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla essence in a bowl.
Add egg white and fold in flour.
Drop batter onto tray, sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake for 9 minutes.
#ButterLaceCookies
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is fully melted and slightly cooled. In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla essence until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the egg white and whisk until fully incorporated and the batter looks uniform. Using a spatula, gently fold in the all-purpose flour just until no dry streaks remain; be careful not to overmix. The batter will be soft and slightly runny.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded teaspoons of batter onto the sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart as they will spread significantly. Gently press a few extra chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie mound for better presentation. Bake immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These delicate, lacy cookies are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Consider sandwiching two cookies together with a dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread for an extra-indulgent treat.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Whisk melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix in egg white, then fold in flour. Drop small spoonfuls far apart on a lined tray, add extra chips on top, and bake at 350°F for 9 minutes until golden and lacy at the edges. Let cool completely on the sheet to crisp up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a whole egg instead of just the white? No, the fat in the yolk will change the texture, making the cookie less crisp and lacy. The egg white is essential for the delicate structure.
Why did my cookies spread into one giant sheet? This means you didn’t space them far enough apart. These cookies need a full 3 inches between each portion of batter to spread properly without merging.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? It’s not recommended. The melted butter will solidify as it chills, drastically altering the spreading behavior. For best results, bake immediately after mixing.
My cookies are chewy, not crisp. What happened? They were likely underbaked or the oven temperature was too low. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and look for deep golden edges before removing them.
Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips? Absolutely! Try finely chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a different flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the flour: This develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Fold just until combined.
- Incorrect spacing: Placing dough mounds too close causes them to bake together. Use ample space.
- Using cold butter: The recipe requires melted butter for the right consistency. Solid butter won’t create the lace.
- Moving cookies too soon: They are very fragile when hot. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet to set and crisp up.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Butter Lace Cookies are a stunningly simple yet impressive treat. Their perfect balance of buttery crispness and rich chocolate makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this elegant cookie. Remember the key secrets: melted butter, ample spacing, and patience while cooling. Enjoy your baking success!